The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council is a membership-driven organization. Each month, we highlight one of our valued members. This week, we’re talking to Ben Jordan, the Business Development Manager at Centrus Energy. Jordan is also a Mentor in TAEBC’s Energy Mentor Network program. Learn more about him here.

What is the value of the advanced energy industry in Tennessee? 

Ben Jordan: The biggest value that I see is that advanced energy has differentiated Tennessee. There are several factors that come together to make this differentiation possible. The TVA has provided economic energy access, luring many businesses to locate here, and the TVA has undertaken many advanced energy projects that have spurred development in this region. Additionally, the presence of the University of Tennessee, The Oak Ridge National Lab, and the Y-12 National Security Site have created an environment where the population is more educated about advanced energy and thereby more accepting and eager to host advanced energy projects, which serves to keep the community growing.

How does Centrus Energy fall under the advanced energy industry? 

Jordan: My organization is the only organization with a viable, domestic, commercially deployable, enrichment solution for creating the fuel that will be needed for many of the advanced reactor concepts currently being considered and funded by the ARDP program. 

What exciting developments would you like to discuss about your organization?

Jordan: Centrus is currently completing a 3-year, $115 million project with DOE to install a 16-centrifuge cascade to demonstrate production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). The primary purpose of HALEU is to fuel the next generation of advanced reactors that are currently under development. 

Why did Centrus Energy join TAEBC? 

Jordan: Centrus participated in the initial meetings discussing the yet-to-be-formed TAEBC and has been a member ever since.

What value does TAEBC provide to Centrus Energy and the state of Tennessee? 

Jordan: TAEBC provides my organization with a connection to portions of the advanced energy sector that we do not normally interact with in our nuclear focused business. TAEBC provides Tennessee with context and voice to represent advanced energy where it appears there was no one doing as comprehensive a job prior. TAEBC insight should allow Tennessee to both better identify what actions it takes to foster advanced energy business as well as arming Tennessee with information that it can leverage as it vies for future opportunities.

About Centrus Energy: Centrus Energy Corporation is a trusted supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants in the United States and around the world. Its mission is to provide reliable and competitive fuel goods and services to meet the needs of its customers, consistent with the highest levels of integrity, safety, and security. Learn more on our TAEBC Members page.