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Under President Donald Trump's administration, there has been a deliberate push to re-embrace nuclear energy. The government has ordered an increase in nuclear power production and the development of new reactors—an effort that sparks hope for revitalizing the industry. This renewed interest is centered around the concept of small modular reactors (SMRs), promising a flexible, safe, and potentially widespread deployment of nuclear power.
The site of Oak Ridge is often called the "Silicon Valley for nuclear," due to its dense concentration of government institutions, research facilities, reactors, and close proximity to major universities. Its rich history as a Manhattan Project site continues to influence the nuclear landscape today, blending legacy with innovation.