320 | TVA’s Nuclear Milestone: Justin Maierhofer on Advancing the Nation’s First SMR Construction Permit

Justin Maierhofer is the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Tennessee Valley Authority and serves as TVA’s representative on the newly formed Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. With more than two decades of experience in public power and federal energy policy, he’s helping lead TVA through a landmark moment: becoming the first U.S. utility to advance a small modular reactor (SMR) construction permit through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s initial review phase.What does this milestone mean for America’s energy future? Why are SMRs such a big deal - and why now? And how does Kentucky fit into this next-generation nuclear conversation?Expect to learn why TVA’s Clinch River SMR project is seen as a blueprint for clean, scalable baseload power, how AI and data centers are reshaping electricity demand, the opportunity Kentucky has to repurpose coal infrastructure for nuclear, what the newly established Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority is working on, and how public-private partnerships are driving this new energy era forward.If you'd like to stay up to date on all things Middle Tech subscribe to our newsletter at middletech.beehiiv.com.🎙 Hosted by Logan Jones00:20 - Intro03:04 - Discussion on TVA's Nuclear Energy Initiatives05:23 - Background of TVA and Its Mission12:46 - Justin's Career Path and Experience17:12 - Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority20:33 - Potential of Repurposing Coal Plant Sites27:17 - Future of Energy Demand and AI28:31 - Clinch River SMR Project Details37:06 - Public vs. Private Nuclear Energy Initiatives41:17 - Future Vision for Energy Production44:16 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts—Middle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.comAwesome Inc → awesomeinc.orgDon't miss Awesome Inc's September 5 Across → ⁠Free Ticket for Middle Tech listeners