Tennessee becomes first state in nation with nuclear fusion framework

Tennessee has become the first state in the nation with its own regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines. The technology-neutral approach to fusion regulation taps into more than 60 years of resources and experience from its involvement as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement state. The new rules and regulations establish requirements for the licensing of fusion machines and fusion-related activities. Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. This process releases large amounts of energy and is the same reaction that powers the sun and other stars. Type One Energy’s commercial site near Oak Ridge is anticipated to be among the first licensees under this new framework and will function as a fusion development campus through projects between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the University of Tennessee.