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Closest Clinic to Oak Ridge, TN
Improve quality of health and productivity, while lowering direct and indirect costs.
Reduced liabilities with safer drivers on the road
Improve access to healthcare - many Americans drive over 25 miles for quality healthcare
Urgent Care Clinic Near Me Oak Ridge, TN
There's a lot of truth to the saying that truck drivers are the backbone of our economy. Commercial driving is an often underrated yet crucial profession. Truckers play a vital role in transporting goods and raw materials from various locations across the country to businesses and consumers. Whether it's gases, liquids, heavy materials, or perishable items, commercial drivers cover countless miles each day, ensuring the smooth operation of the supply chain process.
With so much time on the road, it's safe to say that commercial drivers live unique lives. They only have so much time per year to cross tasks off their list. Important events like seeing family and friends are often at the top of that list. As such, many commercial drivers put their health and wellbeing on the back burner. They often avoid going to a primary care doctors office Near Me Oak Ridge because they have deadlines to meet and responsibilities to uphold - and that's unfortunate.
Commercial drivers experience elevated rates of chronic health issues due to extended hours, a lack of physical activity, and the demands of their work. This impacts not just their wellbeing and life expectancy but also their ability to earn a living. A large percentage of truck drivers have at least one chronic health problem that renders them ineligible for Department of Transportation (DOT) certification.
Despite those realities, most drivers know it's important to get exercise, eat healthy, and see a doctor for yearly checkups. But when they're on the road, where can they go for medical guidance or help when they're sick? Until recently, that question wasn't easy to answer.
Fortunately, there are new options available that have the potential to catch health issues early and save a driver money. Interstate Health is expanding access to high-quality urgent and primary care for everyone who lives and works along our nation's interstate system. It also serves rural and other communities with limited healthcare options.
Your Local Walk-In Clinic Near Me Oak Ridge: Meeting the Needs of Drivers and the Local Community
Truckers and commercial drivers - the men and women who keep America moving - have had to wait too long to have access to reliable healthcare. Many of these professionals settle for poor health due to hectic schedules and a lack of parking at traditional urgent care clinics. Interstate Health is changing the game by offering hardworking drivers a clean, reliable, easy-to-access clinic for primary care and urgent care needs.
Positioned at large travel centers throughout the United States, Interstate Health clinics are advanced, independent facilities that receive central support from a corporate office that operates 24/7. We offer a range of services tailored to drivers and community members, including the following:
Our telehealth therapists Near Me Oak Ridge, TN, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Urgent Care Services: Testing, Vaccinations, Wound Care, & More
- Primary Care Services: Physicals, Occupational Health, & More
- Telehealth Services: Online Healthcare Services Made Easy
- Pharmacy Services: Refill Your Prescriptions with Ease & Convenience
Whether you live miles away from the closest provider or you're busy keeping our country running as a professional driver, you shouldn't have to put off the care you need. That's why we founded Interstate Health. We're committed to improving the quality of your health and productivity while reducing on-road liabilities and giving you reliable access to healthcare. That's the Interstate Health difference.
Who Are Our Patients?
At this point, you're probably wondering who Interstate Health is best suited to serve. While our urgent care and primary care medical services are a great option for professional drivers, they're also for members of our local community. Our patients include:
Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are dedicated, hardworking Americans who strive to excel at their jobs while supporting their families. It shouldn't be challenging to access the necessary care without compromising your time and livelihood. Interstate Health offers convenient, high-quality care, allowing you to maintain your wellbeing and keep moving forward.
Interstate Drivers
Have you ever been on a road trip or a business trip and needed quick access to healthcare professionals? You're not alone. Finding quality, convenient healthcare while traveling can be stressful. With Interstate Health Systems, you can trust you'll get consistent, excellent care no matter which location you visit - and you'll find us close by.
Local Community Members
Every community deserves accessible, high-quality medical care, no matter where they live. This includes rural areas of the United States, which have historically been overlooked when it comes to healthcare. With locations all across the nation's interstate system, Interstate Health Systems is making excellent healthcare more accessible for communities around the country - especially down roads that are less traveled.
Now that you know more about our business and our mission, let's take a deeper look at some of the services offered at Interstate Health.
Primary Care from Interstate Health
When you've been on the highway for hours on end, finding a great primary care physician Near Me Oak Ridge is easier said than done. Sure, you could settle for a mediocre provider that is out of the way, but wouldn't it be easier to find a doctor who's actually on your route? Even if you work on the road, you deserve access to quality preventative care and wellness checks. Interstate Health's primary care clinics give you convenient access to the care you need to stay healthy, even when you're on the clock.
Your primary care physician is like a central hub for all your health needs. They don't just help prevent problems and manage long-term conditions, but they also help you get other specialized care if you need it. Having a primary care doctor means you get consistent care over time that can kickstart and supplement your wellness goals.
Some of the most popular primary care services we offer include:
- Physicals
- Routine Checkups
- Follow-Up Appointments
- Medication Management
- Chronic Illness Management
- Much More
To get started with our primary care services, simply walk into a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online to see a provider the same day. Whether you're always on the road or need to stay close to home, you can expect high-quality care from our medical providers.
Did you know that, according to the CDC, more than 50% of long-range commercial drivers reported suffering from one or more health conditions? Some of those conditions and behaviors include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Smoking
- Getting Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep
When you read those conditions and then realize that truck drivers are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes when compared to general workers, it makes you raise your eyebrows. Fortunately, visiting a primary care physician on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get your health in check and live a longer life - especially if you're a commercial driver. Here are just a few other reasons why you should consider visiting a primary care doctor while you're on the road:
Management of Chronic Conditions
It's challenging to independently manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and lupus. Enlisting the support of a primary care doctor can assist in keeping track of how these conditions are impacting your body. Regular appointments and routine tests are essential methods that your doctor can employ to help you effectively manage your chronic disease.
Range of Healthcare Services
Wondering where to go if you start coughing, if you're feeling anxious or depressed, or if you want to know more about a certain vaccine? The answer is simple: Visit your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor specializes in holistic healthcare, which means they are trained to treat a wide range of issues and coordinate all your healthcare needs in one place. With your primary care doctor, you can address various health concerns in just one appointment, whether they are physical, emotional, or mental.
Overall Healthcare Costs Reduced
Regularly scheduling visits with your primary physician may feel monotonous and possibly unnecessary at times, but according to findings in the Journal of Health Affairs, consistent appointments with a primary care doctor reduce overall medical expenses for patients. Routine checkups, effective communication with your physician, and maintaining an updated health history all play a role in decreasing the overall cost of healthcare.
Urgent Care from Interstate Health
When you've been hauling goods across multiple states for several days at a time, little health issues start to become more and more prevalent. When these issues manifest, it's important to find an urgent care clinic Near Me Oak Ridge so you can get to your destination healthy and happy.
Urgent medical care addresses immediate symptoms associated with accidents, injuries, skin irritations, or sickness at an outpatient center like the Interstate Health clinic. It can be tough to find top-notch care promptly when dealing with an accident, injury, or illness. Our Urgent Care services offer convenient, cost-effective, high-quality care when you're on the road and need to address a medical issue or question quickly.
Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Urgent care medicine involves providing immediate medical services for outpatient treatment of both acute and chronic illnesses and injuries. It requires a wide-ranging and comprehensive knowledge base to provide such care. Delivering excellent care for patients with complex or uncommon conditions relies on close communication and collaboration between an urgent care medicine physician, specialists, and primary physicians.
It's important to note that urgent care does not supplant the role of a primary care physician. Rather, an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health is a convenient option when your regular physician is on vacation or unable to offer a timely appointment. It also serves as an alternative to waiting for hours in a hospital Emergency Room when illness strikes outside of regular office hours.
Some of the most common conditions at our urgent care clinics include:
- Cold and Flu
- Each Aches and Infections
- Burns
- Bruises
- Allergic Reactions to Stings and Bites
- Fevers
- Sprains and Fractures
- Infections
- Strep Throat
- Much More
To get started with our urgent care services, visit a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online and see a provider the same day. Whether you're driving in a different state or you're close to home, you can count on high-quality urgent care from Interstate Health.
Urgent care centers are now an essential part of the healthcare system, providing a convenient option for non-life-threatening conditions instead of traditional emergency room visits. Recognizing the advantages of urgent care can significantly influence your healthcare choices, especially when immediate medical attention is needed when you're on the road or outside of your primary care doctor's working hours.
Let's take a look at some of the top reasons why urgent care from Interstate Health might make the most sense for your needs.
Convenience and Accessibility
Urgent care centers are a game-changer, especially for non-life-threatening situations. They offer extended hours, walk-in appointments, and quick access to prescriptions like antibiotics. From sore throats to broken bones, they've got you covered. No more waiting days for your primary care physician or enduring long waits at the emergency room.
Cost Savings
Going to an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health can be a budget-friendly option compared to emergency room visits. Many health insurance plans cover urgent care visits, and the co-pay is usually much less than that of an emergency room visit. Even if you're paying out of pocket, the cost of treatment at an urgent care center is typically lower for the same services offered in the emergency room.
By choosing urgent care for appropriate situations, you can avoid unnecessary tests and treatments that are more common in an emergency room, potentially saving you from an expensive bill. Plus, urgent care centers offer convenience and quick access to the care you need, making them a wise choice for many professional drivers.
Many Conditions Treated
Urgent care centers offer a wide range of services beyond just treating the flu or minor cuts. They can provide stitches for kitchen mishaps, X-rays for injuries, and manage infections, minor burns, sprains, asthma attacks, and dehydration. Many urgent care clinics offer lab services for blood tests and onsite pharmacies to fill prescriptions. This comprehensive range of services makes urgent care from Interstate Health a convenient one-stop solution for unexpected health needs.
This versatility means you can receive comprehensive care without needing multiple appointments or visits to different locations. You can walk in, speak with a doctor, and receive a diagnosis, treatment, and prescribed medication all in one visit, allowing you to meet deadlines and stay on track when you're driving.
Wait Times Are Shorter
One of the best things about urgent care clinics is that they often save you time. Unlike the ER, where you can wait for hours, urgent care centers are known for being fast. Most patients are seen and treated much quicker than they would be at a hospital emergency room. This means you can get in, get out, and get on with your day without waiting for a long time.
This quick service doesn't mean the care is not good. When you visit an Interstate Health urgent care clinic Near Me Oak Ridge, our practitioners are experts at assessing your medical needs, deciding what treatments are most important, and providing effective medical attention. They're prepared to handle a lot of different situations quickly and carefully. Whether you've got a small injury or a sudden illness, you'll get help quickly so you can start feeling better sooner.
That's a big deal for truckers and other commercial drivers who need reliable, quality healthcare services during non-traditional hours.
Free Up Availability at Hospitals
Urgent care clinics offered by Interstate Health aren't just beneficial for commercial drivers. They also play a crucial role in the overall healthcare system by providing an efficient alternative for non-life-threatening conditions. This significantly reduces the strain on hospital emergency rooms, which are meant for critical care-serious injuries, life-threatening illnesses, and conditions requiring immediate, advanced medical attention.
This strategic redirection of patient flow improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery, ensuring that each patient receives the appropriate level of care in the most suitable setting. It's a win-win situation: Long-range drivers like you receive quicker, more convenient treatment for minor issues, while hospitals can focus on emergencies and critical care.
Primary Care for Albert Thomas
Medical Office for Albert Thomas
Walk in Clinic for Eugene Nethles
Doctors Office for Eugene Nethles
Urgent Care for Wisam Samhouri
Primary Care for Wisam Samhouri
Medical Office for Tim Nelson
Walk in Clinic for Tim Nelson
Doctors Office for Igor Shlyahov
Urgent Care for Igor Shlyahov
Primary Care for Jorge Luis Guerra
Medical Office for Jorge Luis Guerra
Walk in Clinic for Earnest White
Doctors Office for Earnest White
Urgent Care for Tammy Wisnefski
Primary Care for Tammy Wisnefski
Medical Office for Mike Halmajan
Walk in Clinic for tom symington
Doctors Office for Koray D.
Urgent Care for Tony Greene
Primary Care for Michael Schubert
Medical Office for Cynthia Alvarez
Walk in Clinic for Kimberlee McElyea
Doctors Office for Shelly Brooks
Urgent Care for Steve Conatser
Primary Care for Dennis Bartlett
Medical Office for Pablo Esquivel
Walk in Clinic for Harmon Trucking
Doctors Office for Titus Gupton
Urgent Care for DeMoN SeEd
Primary Care for Darren P'Simer
Medical Office for Val Kinchak
Walk in Clinic for Val Kinchak
Doctors Office for David McCoy II
Urgent Care for Scott K
Primary Care for Allie Monday
Medical Office for Roy L Combs
Walk in Clinic for jeff hamby
Doctors Office for Mary Loggins
Urgent Care for Amber Sortino
Primary Care for Morgan Pace
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Walk in Clinic for SVK
Doctors Office for Ricky Thames
Urgent Care for Krystal Frier
Primary Care for Kassidy Henderson
Medical Office for Jana Johnson
Walk in Clinic for Whitney
Doctors Office for Rico Rose
Urgent Care for Rico Rose
Primary Care for Yolanda Martinez
Medical Office for Yolanda Martinez Flowers
Walk in Clinic for Yolanda Martinez
Doctors Office for Yolanda Martinez Flowers
Urgent Care for Jeffrey Seraphine
Primary Care for Jeffrey Seraphine
Medical Office for K B
Walk in Clinic for K B
Doctors Office for Michael Detwiler
Urgent Care for Michael Detwiler
Find Innovative Healthcare on the Road or at Home
For too long, truck drivers have struggled to get healthcare because traditional clinics and hospitals don't have parking for trucks. This makes it hard for them to take time off the road to get the care they need. Interstate Health is working to change that. Our innovative, technology-based medical services company provides crucial urgent and primary care along our nation's interstate highway system. We believe that everyone deserves easy access to healthcare when they need it - even if you're driving a rig across the country every month.
Visit one of our clinics across the country today, so you can stay healthy and keep on trucking tomorrow.
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Latest News Near Me Oak Ridge, TN
Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge gets eight new mobile health units
Jack Ziskinhttps://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/free-medical-clinic-of-oak-ridge-gets-eight-new-mobile-health-units/
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — A free medical clinic is expanding its ability to help patients in East Tennessee, regardless of their ability to pay.Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge has eight new mobile health trucks operating in Anderson, Morgan, and Roane counties. The trucks are part of the clinic’s efforts to meet patients where they are, since getting to the doctor’s office can be difficult for low-income and uninsured people. These clinics will not turn anyone away.“People say, ‘oh, it’s the...
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — A free medical clinic is expanding its ability to help patients in East Tennessee, regardless of their ability to pay.
Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge has eight new mobile health trucks operating in Anderson, Morgan, and Roane counties. The trucks are part of the clinic’s efforts to meet patients where they are, since getting to the doctor’s office can be difficult for low-income and uninsured people. These clinics will not turn anyone away.
“People say, ‘oh, it’s the free clinic. How good could they be?'” said Christine Foelker. “Better than professional doctors in you know, hospitals? By far the best people I have dealt with.”
Christine Foelker says her son is her whole world, then he met a girl, and her son asked her to move from California to East Tennessee. Now, Foelker swears by the doctors at Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. Foelker is not alone.
“You ever had a kidney stone? They’re not pleasant, they got me through that,” said Renae Smith. “I have lung issues, and they’ve been able to get me medicine to make sure that I can breathe, because that’s pretty important.”
The clinic has worked to get people like Foelker and Smith access to life-saving drugs. It operates two in-house dispensaries at their two brick-and-mortar locations.
Every doctor and nurse at Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge relies on volunteers who work full-time.
“The ones that come in that they volunteer, they are amazed, at the, the benefits, the services that we are able to offer our patients because they can’t do that in private practice,” said Community Health Manager Kesha Carter.
According to Carter, roughly 40% of the clinic’s patients are facing what she calls housing disparity. That means many of them are living in shelters or are currently unhoused.
“We found a patient that has a need, and we do our very best to find a way to fill that need,” said Carter. “Whether that’s helping them apply for SSI, SSDI, whether that is food, clothes, housing, legal issues, medication expenses, various different things that we offer for them.”
The clinic has operated a food bank since 2025 to ensure no patient goes hungry. The clinic also provides the unhoused with backpacks, blankets, and other essential items along with non-perishable food items.
Patients told 6 News that the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge changed their lives for the better.
“It helped me at a time where I wasn’t able to pay. And when I left there, I knew that my care was given to me 100%, and nobody held me accountable for not being able to pay,” said Erikka Ridinger.
Patients at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge are encouraging those in need to schedule an appointment.
“Go and see somebody because you as long as you’re above ground, you’re going to need to see a doctor regardless,” said Raejon Timmons. “You can’t doctor yourself. You didn’t go to med school. “
Other patients echoed her plea.
“I would not be here if it weren’t for them,” said Foelker.
Carter told 6 News the clinic was providing for 6,000 patients when she started there four years ago. Now, Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge has 16,000 patients.
The clinic is urging low-income and uninsured people to schedule an appointment if they are in need of care.
Preorder chili delivered by Oak Ridge Lions Club by 5 p.m. Feb.19
Patti Cateshttps://www.oakridger.com/story/lifestyle/things-to-do/2026/02/16/preorder-chili-delivered-by-oak-ridge-lions-club-by-5-p-m-feb-19/88701812007/
Chili luncheon Feb.24 at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak RidgeOn Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Oak Ridge Lions Club will hold its annual chili luncheon to raise money for Lions programs and charities. The Lions Club is taking pre-orders for delivery on the luncheon date. Those pre-orders are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19.“We are blessed to be a part of the Oak Ridge community and appreciate all that the businesses do,” said Ron Wilson, Oak Ridge Lions Club president. “We ask these businesses to support us by buying b...
Chili luncheon Feb.24 at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Oak Ridge Lions Club will hold its annual chili luncheon to raise money for Lions programs and charities. The Lions Club is taking pre-orders for delivery on the luncheon date. Those pre-orders are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19.
“We are blessed to be a part of the Oak Ridge community and appreciate all that the businesses do,” said Ron Wilson, Oak Ridge Lions Club president. “We ask these businesses to support us by buying bowls of chili that we will deliver on the day of our luncheon.”
Customers are invited to order as many servings of chili as they like for delivery. Five servings of chili cost $45 and 10 servings cost $75. They will be delivered between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 24, by Lions Club members, along with corn chips and cheese.
“The chili is made by our Lions Club members,” Wilson added. “We do the luncheon and the deliveries to raise money to help with our community support. This includes eye screenings at the Oak Ridge schools, collecting glasses for recycling, and supporting the Brysonn’s Closet Food Pantry with our Second Saturday Food Drives.”
Orders for delivery must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday. To place an order, please call 865-742-7595. You may also mail an order form to The Oak Ridge Lions Club, Post Office Box 4085, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-4085.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!On Feb. 24, the luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1300 Oak Ridge Turnpike. For $10 at the church, you can get all the handcrafted chili, chips, and fixings you care to eat.
The Oak Ridge Lions Club proudly supports East Tennessee Eye Bank, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries, Vanderbilt Lions Children’s Eye Center, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Tennessee School for the Blind, Tennessee School for the Deaf, and local assistance for eyeglasses, and eye screenings.
The Oak Ridge Lions meet at Shoney’s Restaurant in Oak Ridge at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. They also meet via Zoom on the 2nd Tuesday at 6 p.m.
For additional information, please contact the club at 865-297-3251.
We Are Lions. We Serve
Patti Cates is an Oak Ridge Lions Club member and publicist.
BWXT’s Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility opens in Oak Ridge
ans.orghttps://www.ans.org/news/2026-01-27/article-7710/bwxts-centrifuge-manufacturing-development-facility-opens-in-oak-ridge/
BWX Technologies announced on January 26 that it has begun operating its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn., with the purpose of reestablishing a domestic uranium enrichment capability to meet U.S. national security needs. The facility is part of a program funded by the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration to supply enriched uranium for defense needs.Centrifuges for DUECE: Under a $1.5 billion contract with the NNSA, BWXT...
BWX Technologies announced on January 26 that it has begun operating its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn., with the purpose of reestablishing a domestic uranium enrichment capability to meet U.S. national security needs. The facility is part of a program funded by the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration to supply enriched uranium for defense needs.
Centrifuges for DUECE: Under a $1.5 billion contract with the NNSA, BWXT will use the centrifuges made at the CMDF to support the company’s Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment (DUECE) pilot plant, which is being constructed by BWXT’s Enrichment Operations subsidiary in Erwin, Tenn. This pilot plant will initially be used to demonstrate low-enriched uranium production for the NNSA’s defense missions. It will then be repurposed to produce high-enriched uranium for naval propulsion applications.
According to the NNSA, BWXT’s DUECE technology will not be used to enrich uranium for the commercial market. U.S. policy and international agreements require that any uranium used for weapons purposes—including the LEU used to produce tritium to maintain the U.S. nuclear deterrent—be “unobligated,” or free of peaceful use restrictions.
Precision manufacturing: Construction began on the facility in June 2025 on 97 acres of land. According to BWXT, the CMDF will be the company’s “primary hub for the design, engineering, fabrication, and testing of advanced gas centrifuge machines. The facility features precision manufacturing space, in-house quality assurance and testing capabilities, and specialized infrastructure to support future centrifuge production. It will accelerate the transition of centrifuge technology from development to production readiness and aligns with national priorities for energy security, defense readiness, and advanced manufacturing.”
The CMDF currently employs about 100 workers, with plans to expand the workforce as manufacturing activities scale up.
Of the CMDF’s opening, BWXT president and CEO Rex D. Geveden said, “I am so impressed with the speed at which the BWXT team moved, from breaking ground in late June to standing up this facility just seven months later. With the CMDF now operational, we are positioned to move centrifuge technology from development into production readiness while strengthening America’s sovereign nuclear supply chain.”
NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams noted, “This facility signifies the kind of speed, focus and capability our national security demands.”
East TN company asks for license to build world's first fusion plant
Mariah Franklinhttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2026/02/06/knoxville-nuclear-company-type-one-energy-requests-tennessee-license-for-first-ever-fusion-plant/88402573007/
A Knoxville nuclear company backed by Bill Gates has asked Tennessee for a license to help it build the world’s first fusion plant.Type One Energy, which plans to build the Infinity One prototype testbed in Clinton and a second fusion device, announced Jan. 29 it had submitted an application to the state's Department of Environment and Conservation for a byproduct materials license.If Type One is successful, it would own the world’s first functioning fusion powerhouse, beating to the punch companies like Commonwealt...
A Knoxville nuclear company backed by Bill Gates has asked Tennessee for a license to help it build the world’s first fusion plant.
Type One Energy, which plans to build the Infinity One prototype testbed in Clinton and a second fusion device, announced Jan. 29 it had submitted an application to the state's Department of Environment and Conservation for a byproduct materials license.
If Type One is successful, it would own the world’s first functioning fusion powerhouse, beating to the punch companies like Commonwealth Fusion and TAE Technologies in a quest to reshape the future of nuclear energy.
Type One arrives in Knoxville with Bill Gates backing
Type One has secured funding support from multiple groups, including Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and its assets now total more than $695 million, according to a September financial statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Upon landing in Knoxville in 2024, Type One announced plans for a $223 million investment designed to create more than 300 jobs. The company has worked closely with major players in the East Tennessee energy scene, including the Tennessee Valley Authority and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
How are Type One fusion plans different than fission?
Type One plans to house its prototype stellarator – a fusion device design that traps burning plasma with magnets – at the Bull Run Fossil Plant in Clinton, a TVA site retired shortly before Type One announced its move from Oak Ridge to Knoxville.
Fusion, like fission, has been studied for decades.
Fission describes the process that occurs when a uranium isotope is split, generating heat. It's the process that underlies almost a century of nuclear weapons and commercial nuclear power.
Fusion (what Type One is planning) describes the process by which hydrogen isotopes smash together at extremely high temperatures. Like fission, the process produces heat, but proponents of the technology prefer fusion reactors because they can't melt down in the same way as traditional fission devices.
Close to 100 fission reactors are in the U.S., but no commercial fusion plants exist anywhere in the world.
What's the timeline for Type One's plans in East TN?
The first of two devices Type One plans to build should be completed in 2029, according to the company, which hopes to begin producing commercial power by the mid-2030s.
Type One scientists have run extensive supercomputer simulations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to troubleshoot design and help understand what obstacles stand in front of commercial fusion. No scientific barriers to fusion plants exist, the company’s scientists said in papers detailing the plans, which were published last year in the Journal of Plasma Physics.
The relationship between Type One, TVA and ORNL continues to grow, with plans in place for a fusion energy campus tying the three together more closely at Bull Run.
Mariah Franklin reports on technology and energy for Knox News. Email: mariah.franklin@knoxnews.com. Signal: mariahfranklin.01
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Centrus to Expand Oak Ridge Centrifuge Manufacturing Plant to Facilitate Large-Scale Deployment
Centrus Energy Corphttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/centrus-to-expand-oak-ridge-centrifuge-manufacturing-plant-to-facilitate-large-scale-deployment-302669088.html
Photo available hereOAK RIDGE, Tenn., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler announced today that Centrus (NYSE: LEU) plans a major expansion in East Tennessee, transitioning its Oak Ridge facility to a high-rate manufacturing plant.As part of the expansion, Centrus plans to create nearly 430 new jobs and invest more than $560 million in Anderson County over the next ...
Photo available here
OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler announced today that Centrus (NYSE: LEU) plans a major expansion in East Tennessee, transitioning its Oak Ridge facility to a high-rate manufacturing plant.
As part of the expansion, Centrus plans to create nearly 430 new jobs and invest more than $560 million in Anderson County over the next several years to support both the growth in workforce and investment in the production of thousands of advanced centrifuges.
Today's announcement supports Centrus' recently announced plans for a major expansion of its Ohio uranium enrichment plant, which will help the company meet America's commercial and national security requirements. The first new centrifuges produced in Tennessee are expected to come online in Ohio in 2029.
Centrus' Technology and Manufacturing Center in Oak Ridge is the only uranium enrichment centrifuge manufacturing facility in the U.S. The company recently was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Ohio with centrifuges produced in Tennessee.
Centrus is the eighth company to utilize funding from Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Fund. The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee's recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state's budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund's total to $70 million since its inception.
QUOTES"Companies nationwide recognize that Tennessee is the nation's epicenter for new nuclear, and I am grateful for Centrus' continued investment in the Volunteer State. These 400 new jobs will create greater opportunity for Tennesseans and advance our state's position as a leader in energy independence." – Gov. Bill Lee
"Tennessee is rapidly becoming a leader in clean energy, and I'm proud to announce additional jobs and investment alongside Centrus today. Through strategic investments from our state's Nuclear Energy Fund, we are strengthening Tennessee's nuclear infrastructure and advancing the technology and education needed to support it. We appreciate Centrus' commitment to the next generation of clean energy and look forward to the positive impact this investment will bring to our state." – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
"We are proud to be leading the effort to restore America's ability to enrich uranium at scale – using American technology, built by American workers right here in Tennessee. These advanced centrifuges are essential to meeting America's energy security and national security requirements. We are honored to be a part of the vibrant ecosystem of nuclear energy leaders in East Tennessee and grateful for the strong support of federal, state and local leaders here." – Amir Vexler, CEO, Centrus
"TVA is proud to support Centrus as they expand their operations in Oak Ridge. This investment and the creation of more than 400 high-quality jobs underscore the region's role as a hub for nuclear innovation and advanced manufacturing. TVA is committed to powering economic growth and partnering with companies like Centrus to strengthen energy security and drive progress for the communities we serve." – Don Moul, president and CEO, TVA
"Centrus has been an outstanding corporate citizen, and its continued growth reflects both the long-term stability of Anderson County and the unmatched advantages of doing business in the Oak Ridge Corridor. This announcement is a powerful statement of confidence in our community, our people, our work ethic and the strength of our partnerships across local, state and federal levels. Centrus' investment strengthens our position as a national hub for next-generation nuclear and advanced manufacturing, and we are grateful to TNECD and our regional partners for helping ensure Tennessee remains the destination for transformative, future-defining industries." – Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank
"Oak Ridge is proud to support the growth of Centrus Energy in our community. The expansion of their operations and the integration of Centrus's advanced technology signal a return to American leadership in nuclear energy, an area where Oak Ridge has long played a critical role. As these operations come online, they will bring new, well-paying jobs and meaningful economic opportunity for the people of our community." – Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch
"Centrus is a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, and the company's decision to invest and create jobs in Tennessee underscores our state's strength in high-tech manufacturing and energy innovation. We are proud to partner with a company that is helping power America's future while creating quality jobs for Tennesseans." – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge)
"I'm thrilled to hear that Centrus is expanding its operations here in Anderson County. They have been a phenomenal business partner in Oak Ridge, and this significant investment will strengthen our local economy and support families across the region. I am grateful for Centrus' continued commitment to our community and look forward to their continued success." – Rep. Rick Scarbrough (R-Oak Ridge)
About CentrusCentrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal.
With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America's uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)TNECD is the state's primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee's competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media ContactsCentrusMedia: Dan LeistikowLeistikowD@centrusenergy.com Investors: Neal NagarajanNagarajanNK@centrusenergy.com
TNECDChris O'BrienPublic Information Officer(615) 934-5879Chris.OBrien@tn.gov
Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control.
For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Ukraine; market demand and competition; changes in economic or industry conditions; supply chain disruptions; the imposition of tariffs and/or sanctions that impact our ability to obtain, deliver, transport, or sell LEU or the SWU and natural uranium hexafluoride components of LEU delivered to us under the TENEX Supply Contract or other supply contracts or make related payments or deliveries of natural uranium hexafluoride to TENEX; regulatory approvals and compliance requirements; technological changes; DOE procurement decisions; U.S. government appropriations; government decisions regarding, our lease with the DOE in Piketon, Ohio, including with respect to the term and the scope of permitted activities; our ability to attract qualified employees necessary for the potential expansion of our operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee or Piketon, Ohio; and our ability to execute our strategic initiatives.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp.
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