U.S. independent global power production platform ENTRA1 Energy signed an agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to develop up to 6 gigawatts of capacity based on NuScale small modular reactors (SMRs). This deployment, the most ambitious in the country’s nuclear history, will supply industries that demand constant energy, such as artificial intelligencechip manufacturing and strategic mining.
SMR reactors: U.S. commitment to safe, scalable energy
Each of the six planned plants will be equipped with NuScale modules, designed to deliver carbon-free electricity on a continuous basis. These reactors, certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, offer a flexible and safe solution that can be adapted to different levels of demand.
Thanks to its modular factory construction, the implementation time is considerably reduced compared to traditional nuclear power plants.
SMRs are designed to operate with passive cooling and can be installed underground, optimizing space utilization and reducing operational risks. This architecture allows generation to be scaled up to 924 megawatts per plant, representing an attractive option for AI data centers and other energy-intensive infrastructures.
An energy model with global projection
The strategic alliance between NuScale and ENTRA1 provides for an international commercial deployment platform for SMRs, with ENTRA1 as the exclusive operator of the plants. TVA will act as the purchaser of the power generated in its seven-state grid.
This business model seeks to facilitate the transition to modern nuclear sources, with a focus on national security and energy autonomy. The program also contemplates multiple applications beyond electricity generation, such as hydrogen production and desalination.
Institutional support for this technology is aligned with the strategic objectives of consolidating a resilient domestic supply in the face of growing global demand. SMR technology appears as a viable answer to balance reliability and sustainability.
Source and photo: NuScale
