State regulators, Type One Energy and TVA announced today the initial submission of a “byproduct material license” application in preparation for Tennessee’s first commercial fusion project.
Type One Energy and TVA worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to prepare this first-of-a-kind application, demonstrating compliance with key licensing requirements for fusion energy technology as part of a comprehensive application process. This collaborative effort between Type One Energy, TVA and TDEC is an example of best practices for public-private partnerships working to deploy fusion energy projects nationwide.
“TVA is proud to play a leading role in supporting the advancement of fusion energy – a technology that represents the next frontier in low-cost, reliable power,” said Don Moul, TVA President and CEO. “Our collaboration with Type One Energy and the state of Tennessee highlights how innovation and partnership can strengthen America’s energy security and advance the nation’s commitment to energy leadership. Through initiatives like Project Infinity, TVA is helping ensure that the Tennessee Valley remains at the forefront of delivering prosperity for American families.”
Project Infinity – which encompasses the Infinity One prototype and workforce training center together with the 350 MWe Infinity Two fusion power plant – will proceed in several phases at TVA’s Bull Run Energy Complex in Clinton, Tennessee.
The first phase, deployment of Infinity One operated by Type One Energy, is scheduled for commissioning and startup in 2029. TVA recently issued Type One Energy a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop and build the Infinity Two commercial fusion power plant with construction starting as early as 2028, pending final completion of development activities and receipt of all necessary approvals.
“The announcement today supercharges Tennessee’s reputation as the global hub for nuclear innovation,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “This application lays the groundwork for subsequent submissions and is a byproduct of the collaboration between fusion energy companies like Type One Energy and TDEC in establishing a first-of-its-kind state regulatory framework for fusion energy in Tennessee.”
Fusion has long been considered the ultimate sustainable energy source with zero carbon emissions, abundant fuel derived from seawater, and no high-level radioactive waste. Due to its low-risk safety profile, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) unanimously agreed in 2023 to license fusion machines under the byproduct materials regulatory framework. This regulatory framework, implemented by the Agreement States, is the same regulatory scheme used to license particle accelerators and nuclear medicine facilities.
“Today is an important milestone for Type One Energy, TVA and the state of Tennessee,” said Christofer Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy. “We’ve been working closely together since February 2024, sharing relevant design information and knowledge that is essential to establish the appropriate licensing conditions for a fusion power plant. This collaboration makes Tennessee an international model of ‘safety by design’ and transparency for licensing fusion machines.”
Today’s byproduct material license application is a ‘safety by design’ protocol for fusion facility licensing with significant performance margins to ensure safety is optimized throughout the design process. In this context, the Infinity Two fusion power plant is designed for regulatory approval and deployment around the globe.
From left, Type One Energy CEO Chris Mowry, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and TVA President and CEO Don Moul at the Bull Run Energy Complex in Clinton, Tennessee.
Engineers at Type One Energy’s magnet development facility work on a high?temperature superconducting magnet prototype.
Illustrative rendering of Type One Energy’s Infinity One stellarator engineering prototype.
Illustrative rendering of the exterior of the Infinity Two fusion power plant planned for deployment at TVA’s Bull Run Energy Complex in Clinton, Tennessee.