Nuclear power serves as the single largest source of electricity in Tennessee, generating roughly 40% of the state's power through the Watts Bar and Sequoyah plants. According to a Beacon Poll, most voters are unaware of this fact, with 51% of respondents either unsure if the state has active nuclear plants or believing no nuclear generation exists in Tennessee.
The survey revealed that when asked to estimate the share of power provided by nuclear energy, the correct answer of 40% or more was the least popular option, chosen by only 4% of voters. Over half of the respondents stated they were unsure of the correct percentage.
While utility costs are a bipartisan concern—with 76% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats reporting rising costs over the past year—nuclear power remains the least polarized energy source in the poll. Support for making it easier to permit and build new plants reached 54%, compared to 32% who opposed the move.
Voters cited different factors for their views on nuclear energy. Approximately 43% of respondents cited the need for reliable and affordable energy, while 36% cited major accidents such as Chernobyl or Fukushima.
Tennessee is actively expanding its nuclear footprint. The Tennessee Valley Authority recently secured a $400 million federal grant to develop the nation's first small modular reactor at Clinch River in Oak Ridge and has signed an agreement for up to six gigawatts of new nuclear power. Governor Bill Lee has also led an initiative to revive nuclear power generation in the state.
Other states are pursuing similar energy goals. Utah Governor Spencer Cox launched Operation Gigawatt to double the state's energy production through a nuclear manufacturing hub, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro initiated the Lightning Plan to boost generation and transmission buildout.
The current challenge for nuclear expansion in Tennessee is not public opposition, but rather slow permitting and expensive construction due to decades-old safety rules.
