SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

TerraPower awards three major contracts for its Natrium reactor in the United States

TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

TerraPower has announced the awarding of three contracts as part of the fifth procurement round for its Natrium project. The Natrium nuclear demonstration plant, planned near a coal-fired power station nearing permanent shutdown in the Kemmerer region of Wyoming, is initially designed to produce 345 megawatts electric (MWe) through a sodium-cooled fast reactor, using High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel.

Three companies selected

The first contract involves AVANTech LLC, an American firm tasked with designing advanced sodium processing modules and related support equipment for the Natrium plant. The second contract has been awarded to Structural Integrity Associates, responsible for designing and manufacturing the Sodium Cover Gas Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis system intended for radiation monitoring. Finally, PAR Systems will manufacture a specialised used fuel handling system called the Pool Handling Machine, enabling the safe transport of used fuel assemblies into storage pools for inspection and maintenance.

These new contracts follow previous procurement rounds for the project, for which TerraPower has already secured all long-lead equipment items, as well as the complete reactor enclosure system for the Natrium reactor. Additionally, the company was the first in the United States to submit, in March 2024, an application for a construction permit to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a commercial advanced nuclear reactor.

Accelerated regulatory milestones

The NRC recently indicated it expects to complete the review of TerraPower’s application by the end of 2025, ahead of the original schedule that set the deadline in August 2026. Furthermore, TerraPower officially initiated initial non-nuclear construction works on its Wyoming site in June 2024 during a groundbreaking ceremony.

These developments follow a significant fundraising effort completed last month. Among the investors participating in this USD650 million capital raise are NVentures, NVIDIA’s venture capital subsidiary, TerraPower founder Bill Gates, and South Korean industrial conglomerate HD Hyundai.

Securing a domestic supply chain

Chris Levesque, President and Chief Executive Officer of TerraPower, stated that “a resilient and diversified domestic supply chain is essential to completing our Natrium plant and bringing the first commercial-scale advanced reactor online in the United States.” According to him, each contract award illustrates the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and competitive advanced nuclear energy.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
US Army selects nine bases for future deployment of nuclear microreactors
Subsea7 reports 27% increase in adjusted EBITDA in third quarter
Battery storage market projected to reach $99.67bn by 2033
Blackstone injects $1.2bn into West Virginia’s first natural gas power plant
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
NexGen begins final federal hearings for the Rook I nuclear project
NexGen Energy has opened Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the final approval of its Rook I uranium project, following more than six years of regulatory process.
Oklo signs contract with Siemens Energy for Aurora’s power conversion system
Oklo has signed a binding agreement with Siemens Energy to accelerate manufacturing of the energy conversion system for its first advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.
New setback for TEPCO at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa 48h before crucial political green light
A security document handling incident at the nuclear power plant renews concerns about TEPCO as a key decision on restarting reactors 6 and 7 approaches in Niigata.
Washington seals civil nuclear deal with Riyadh amid political tensions
An initial civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, prompting calls from the US Congress for strict safeguards to prevent a Middle East arms race.
CGN activates Zhaoyuan to bypass US restrictions and secure its Hualong One reactors
The launch of the Zhaoyuan nuclear project anchors the Hualong One model inland, illustrating Beijing’s strategy of regulatory normalisation in response to Western technological restrictions.
TRISO-X begins vertical construction on advanced nuclear fuel facility in Tennessee
TRISO-X has started above-ground works on the first U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing fuel for small modular reactors, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of the Xe-100.
Russia delivers key test rig for ITER project progress
The first Russian test rig for the experimental ITER reactor has been delivered to the site in France, marking a major milestone in the international collaboration on nuclear fusion.
Allseas’ nuclear concept could inject EUR130bn into Dutch economy by 2050
A strategic report reveals the industrial and energy potential of Allseas’ offshore small modular reactor, which could create up to 40,000 jobs and reduce investment in the power grid.
Japan approves partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant
Niigata’s governor is expected to approve the restart of one reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, inactive since the Fukushima accident, reviving a strategic asset for Japan’s energy sector.
Aecon partners with Norsk Kjernekraft to develop SMRs in Norway
Canadian firm Aecon and private developer Norsk Kjernekraft have signed a strategic agreement targeting the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors across several potential locations in Norway.
South Africa restarts PBMR project with strategic transfer to Necsa
The South African government has officially lifted the PBMR reactor out of inactivity, launching a public investment programme and transferring the strategic nuclear asset from Eskom to Necsa.
France locks in €100bn nuclear programme under state control
The French Court of Auditors values EDF’s grand carénage at over €100bn, while EPR2 reactors already exceed €67–75bn. The State simultaneously directs regulation, financing, and industrial strategy, raising the risk of conflict of interest.
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.
Framatome completes second test cycle on next-generation nuclear fuel
Framatome’s accident-tolerant fuel prototype has completed a second 24-month cycle in a commercial nuclear reactor in the United States, paving the way for a third phase of industrial testing.
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
The Wylfa site in Wales will host three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors from 2026, marking a strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear expansion.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.