Bill Gates surprises the world with a revolutionary nuclear project that challenges traditional renewable energy. Find out what is behind this initiative.
A Terrapower, a company backed by Bill Gates, has taken a big step in developing its first plant of Natrium nuclear energy.
The company has received approval from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council (ISC) to begin construction of the non-nuclear facilities at Kemmerer Power Plant Unit 1.
The license allows the company to build areas such as the power island, which will house molten salt storage tanks and turbines.
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This milestone is essential to enable the Natrium plant project, which features an advanced nuclear design, notable for its 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor.
Cutting-edge clean energy technology
The Natrium system is equipped with molten salt energy storage, allowing the plant to produce up to 500 MW for more than five and a half hours.
This technology guarantees flexibility and integration with renewable sources, increasing the resilience of the electrical grid.
According to Terrapower, Natrium is the only advanced reactor design with this capacity, positioning itself as an affordable and low-cost solution for the energy transition towards zero carbon.
Construction plan advances in stages
With the license approved, the company plans to begin construction on the Kemmerer Training Center and power island in 2025.
Since 2024, the sodium filling and testing facility has been under development, demonstrating the company's commitment to meeting its schedules.
"This is a historic milestone for advanced nuclear energy in the United States. The approval reflects the hard work of our team and the crucial support of the State of Wyoming.”, said Chris Levesque, CEO of Terrapower.
Levesque noted that the regulatory process is complex and requires multi-jurisdictional coordination. He also praised Wyoming’s role as a leader in the energy industry, which is essential to making the project a reality.
Nuclear fuel: a strategic challenge
One of the biggest challenges facing the U.S. nuclear industry is its dependence on high-grade, low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is currently imported from Russia.
The invasion of Ukraine further complicated the supply chain, prompting initiatives to reduce this dependence.
In response, Terrapower signed an agreement with ASP Isotopes to build a HALEU enrichment facility in South Africa using advanced laser technology.
The goal is to secure fuel for its Natrium reactors and strengthen North American energy security.
Collaboration with the US Government
The Natrium project is being developed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).
In addition to replacing a decommissioned coal plant, the plant will be a commercial model of a functioning nuclear power plant.
The expectation is that the system will enter into operation after the review of the license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), scheduled for completion in 2026.
During this period, non-nuclear construction at the site will be conducted in parallel, speeding up timelines.
Technological advancement and the future of nuclear energy
Terrapower says Natrium combines innovation and efficiency to lead the way in new generation clean energy.
Integration with renewable resources and energy storage in molten salt are elements that promise to revolutionize the sector.
This advancement highlights not only Terrapower’s role as an industry pioneer, but also Wyoming’s potential to establish itself as a strategic hub for sustainable energy.