Terrapower, a company backed by Bill Gates, is making strides in the development of a mini-nuclear power plant in Wyoming. The project involves the construction of a sodium-cooled Small Modular Reactor, with groundbreaking already taking place at a former coal-fired power plant near Kemmerer. While awaiting approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, progress has been marked by the acceptance of the planning permit application by the Bechtel Corporation in May, representing a significant step in the review process of the new reactor design by the NRC.
The decision to locate the Terrapower project was finalized three years ago, with plans to engage 1600 employees in the construction of a nuclear power plant in collaboration with GE Hitachi. The plant is designed to have a baseline output of 345 MW, with the capacity to reach 500 MW intermittently, providing electricity to approximately 400,000 households. Ultimately, the project is expected to create job opportunities for 250 individuals.
Noteworthy in this endeavor is the use of sodium as a coolant instead of water, which eliminates the need for certain safety systems required in water-cooled reactors, resulting in reduced concrete and steel usage. The reactor can utilize a combination of uranium and transuranium elements as fuel. Bill Gates, a key figure in the project, has hailed it as the “most advanced nuclear project in the world” during the groundbreaking ceremony.
With a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, US President Joe Biden has set a target for the country to achieve zero emissions by 2050. To meet the increasing energy demands while aligning with environmental goals, the US will require additional generation capacity of around 22 GW by 2030. The country has also pledged its commitment to the Net-Zero Nuclear Initiative, joining forces with other nations to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050.
Alongside renewable energy sources, the USA is investing in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The US Department of Energy is actively supporting two new reactor types, including the one by Terrapower, as part of efforts to enhance nuclear energy capabilities. The Atomic Energy Advancement Act, currently under review by the US Senate, aims to streamline the licensing and regulation processes for reactor projects, ensuring more efficient implementation.
