U.S. Rep. Dale Strong introduced legislation last week to advance the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and micro-reactors across the country. Also sponsored by fellow Alabama U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, the Congressmen say implementation of the bill will boost energy production today and ensure reliable power supply for days to come — particularly in the Tennessee Valley.

Strong’s bill calls for the Department of Energy to construct and demonstrate two SMR or micro-reactor projects that can be fully deployed by 2034. At least one project must be located on or near an existing or retired nuclear reactor site, such as the unfinished Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, a Tennessee Valley Authority asset in Alabama.

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“North Alabama has seen tremendous population growth and economic expansion in the last two decades, and I am committed to ensuring we make enough power to fuel North Alabama residents and businesses,” Rep. Strong (R-Monrovia) said. “Winter Storm Elliott was a wake-up call for us all. To avoid shortages in the future, we must be constantly investing in modern energy sources to power our economy for the next generation.”

SMRs are smaller, safer, and more cost-effective than conventional nuclear reactors and can be deployed in diverse settings, including rural areas and on military bases. The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven Southeastern states.

“Our nation’s energy policy must reflect a commitment to increasing energy production so those in North Alabama, and across the nation, will always have access to power when they need it most,” Rep. Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said.

“Residents of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District should never be subjected to a lack of power or lack of economic opportunities due to electric providers not being able to produce adequate energy supplies. This is why this bill is so important. Those in rural areas of the nation, like my district, will benefit greatly from the use of SMRs.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270