TerraPower starts construction of Natrium reactor in Wyoming

US Nuclear innovation company TerraPower has started construction on the Natrium reactor demonstration project, marking its first advanced reactor project to move from design into construction.

“This groundbreaking represents the beginning of the next era of nuclear energy. The Natrium reactor is
more than a design, it’s a plant coming to life that will support both the clean energy transition and our
historic energy communities,” said Chris Levesque, TerraPower president and CEO.

The Natrium demonstration plant is being built near a retiring coal-fired power plant and when complete, will be a fully functioning commercial power plant.

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The project features a 345MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage
system, which can boost the system’s output to 500MW of power when needed. According to TerraPower, the storage component allows the plant to integrate seamlessly with renewable resources.

TerraPower Chairman and Founder, Bill Gates, commented at the groundbreaking ceremony: "I’m proud of all the partners and people who helped get the most advanced nuclear project in the world built in Kemmerer, Wyoming. I believe that TerraPower's next-generation nuclear energy will power the future of our nation—and the world."

Approximately 1,600 workers will be needed for the construction of the project and once the plant is operational, approximately 250 people will support daily running of the plant.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, who also attended the groundbreaking ceremony believes the Natrium project will not only boost employment but also being renewed vitality to the region.

Added Gordon: “This project also demonstrates how good things can happen when the private and public sectors work together to solve problems. Advances made here will bolster Wyoming’s ability to produce another source of dispatchable power securely. In Wyoming we know energy — and we will continue to provide it to help keep our nation competitive and safe."

This year TerraPower submitted its construction permit application to the USS Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Natrium reactor.

Through the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), this reactor demonstration project is intended to validate the design, construction and operational features of the Natrium technology.