Roane County reached a historic milestone on September 4, 2025 with the announcement that Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, will invest nearly $1.7 billion to build the nation’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling facility at the Oak Ridge Heritage Center in Roane County. This transformative project will create more than 800 high-quality jobs, marking the single largest jobs announcement in Roane County’s history!
The 247-acre site in Oak Ridge will serve as the anchor for Oklo’s Advanced Fuel Center, designed to recycle used nuclear fuel from today’s operating fleet. This groundbreaking investment strengthens America’s energy independence, powers advanced nuclear reactors, and establishes a durable domestic supply chain for decades to come.
County Executive Wade Creswell, who played a pivotal role in recruiting Oklo through his work with the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation, emphasized the spirit of collaboration that made this announcement possible. During the event, Creswell remarked:
“Unity and alignment is our secret sauce in these wins. By working together across city and county lines, we have positioned Roane County and the entire region as a leader in America’s nuclear renaissance.”
This project reflects a new era of growth for Roane County. By leveraging Oak Ridge’s unmatched nuclear assets, the expertise of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the extensive cleanup efforts of the Department of Energy and UCOR, the county has created an environment where innovation and opportunity thrive.
Governor Bill Lee praised Tennessee’s strong business climate and skilled workforce, while Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter highlighted the state’s role as a leader in clean and reliable energy. Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte underscored the company’s commitment to building the next generation of nuclear technology, powered by advanced fuel and supported by local jobs.
The project also earned strong support from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Sen. Ken Yager, Rep. Monty Fritts, Rep. Rick Scarbrough, TVA President and CEO Don Moul and many others who celebrated the economic impact and opportunities this investment brings to families across the region.
Gov. Bill Lee said the decision validates Tennessee’s leadership in energy innovation:
“Our administration created the Nuclear Energy Fund in partnership with the Tennessee General Assembly to support and expand the state’s nuclear ecosystem, and Oklo’s recognition of our strong business climate, reliable infrastructure and skilled workforce prove that Tennessee is ready to continue growing into the top state for nuclear energy. We’re proud to partner with Oklo to continue pushing our state toward the future, increasing America’s energy independence and creating greater opportunity for all Tennesseans.”
Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, emphasized the company’s commitment to the region:
“We’re proud to make this commitment in Tennessee, where our investment will create hundreds of skilled jobs and establish a world-class nuclear fuel center. By recycling used fuel, we’re building the supply chain for the next generation of nuclear technology with advanced fuels that power industry and support durable jobs for decades to come.”
TVA President and CEO Don Moul noted the alignment with Tennessee’s nuclear momentum:
“Tennessee is the core of America’s nuclear renaissance. Under Governor Lee’s leadership, the state is leading the way in attracting the companies that will build America’s energy future. Oklo’s announcement will ensure these innovative nuclear technologies are built and developed in our backyard. TVA is proud to support Oklo’s work to develop the next-generation of nuclear technologies needed to power AI-infrastructure and drive economic growth.”
A Unified Effort
This historic achievement showcases what can happen when state leadership, local governments, research institutions, and private industry unite behind a shared vision. The creation of over 800 jobs will provide generational opportunities for Roane County families, while the $1.7 billion investment will drive growth across the East Tennessee region.
As Roane County continues to build on its proud nuclear legacy, this announcement affirms its role at the forefront of America’s clean energy future.
Roane County is excited to celebrate another historic win for our community, one that will shape the prosperity of our citizens for generations to come.