TVA Partners with ENTRA1 to Explore 6 GW of SMRs
Agreement could power 4.5 million homes as TVA targets rising demand from AI, data centers, and manufacturing.
Today, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation's largest public utility, has announced an agreement with ENTRA1 Energy to explore developing up to 6 gigawatts of nuclear power using NuScale small modular reactors. The plan would focus on deploying six ENTRA1 Energy Plants across TVA's seven-state service region.
In a press release, TVA describes the deal as the “largest in U.S. History.” They added that the initiative could generate enough electricity to power approximately 4.5 million homes or 60 new data centers. Officials said the agreement responds to growing demand from artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and other energy-intensive industries.
ENTRA1 Energy is an American company focused on developing power infrastructure projects by commercializing nuclear and natural gas technologies. The company holds exclusive global rights to deploy NuScale's products and manages the financing, development, and execution of ENTRA1 Energy Plants.
TVA is leading the nation in pursuing new nuclear technologies, and no utility in the U.S. is working harder or faster than TVA,
said Don Moul, TVA president and CEO, in the press release. He added that the partnership highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening energy security and creating new jobs and investment.
In the press release, Skip Alvarado, ENTRA1’s chief projects officer, said, “Our focus is on deploying best-in-class American technologies in the nuclear SMR and natural gas-fired power sectors.” He added:
We’re investing in the next generation of power solutions to meet the country’s growing energy demands.
This latest announcement builds on previous reporting by The Clarity Digest last month, when TVA's leadership shake-up renewed debate over its future direction. While some feared privatization, some lawmakers pointed to a renewed nuclear agenda, with TVA positioned as a launchpad for new nuclear technologies.
Through its partnership with ENTRA1, TVA is signaling that small modular reactors will be central to its strategy for meeting rising power demand from data centers, AI, and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening its regional and national energy leader position.
TVA serves more than 10 million people across seven Southeastern states. The utility operates an energy mix that includes nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, and solar. They are a corporate agency of the United States and receive no taxpayer funding; instead, they derive nearly all of their revenue from power sales.
Through its partnership with ENTRA1, TVA is signaling that small modular reactors will be central to its strategy for meeting rising power demand from data centers, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Key questions still remain around cost, licensing, and scale-up timelines. TVA and ENTRA1 will also need to resolve site selection, financing, and regulatory approvals before the program can move from plan to production.