SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

TerraPower’s Natrium reactor set for imminent start-up

TerraPower launches its Natrium demonstration project, using sodium fast reactor technology and molten salt energy storage.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

TerraPower ‘s Natrium reactor incorporates sodium-cooled fast reactor technology and a molten-salt-based energy storage system, capable of boosting output from 345 MWe to 500 MWe for more than five and a half hours as needed. Located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, near a coal-fired power plant currently being shut down, this project aims to demonstrate the commercial viability of new approaches to nuclear power.

Partnerships and development

TerraPower is working closely with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) through pre-application meetings, and is confident in its regulatory approach. The design of the project means that non-nuclear construction can start as early as this summer, while the nuclear part will follow NRC approval.

Commitments and advances

Chris Levesque, President and CEO of TerraPower, emphasizes the importance of this step towards commercialization of the Natrium reactor and its innovative integration into the energy grid. The company is committed to working with local stakeholders, elected officials and regulatory partners to complete the non-nuclear construction and move forward with the approval process.

Support for the development of the Natrium reactor

To strengthen the nuclear supply chain in North America, TerraPower announced in February a series of contracts with key suppliers for essential components of the Natrium reactor. These contracts cover design, manufacturing, testing and qualification services for equipment such as the seismic isolation system, sodium-salt heat exchanger and sodium pumps.

The NRC is also involved in the review of advanced non-water-moderated reactor projects, including construction license applications for Kairos Power LLC’s Hermes and Hermes 2 advanced test reactors, as well as an application for a molten salt research reactor by Abilene Christian University. Although these projects are not intended to be commercial power plants, the Hermes 2 reactors are designed to generate electricity.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Sinopec Shanghai Posts Half-Year Loss Amid Declining Petrochemical Demand
Ukrainian Arrested in Italy for Alleged Role in Nord Stream Sabotage
Moretti expected to chair Petrobras board with ministerial backing
The U.S. Department of Energy Extends Operations of a Coal Plant in the Midwest
Investments in Green Hydrogen Expected to Reach USD 510 Billion by 2032
NANO Nuclear Advances to Final Round of US Army’s xTechSearch 9 Competition
NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics raises USD 100 million to launch its first nuclear power plant
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
Malaysia Launches Strategic Study on Civil Nuclear Potential
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
Premier American Uranium finalizes the acquisition of Nuclear Fuels with Court approval
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Google and Kairos Power to Build a 50 MW Nuclear Reactor in Tennessee
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
X-energy and the Pentagon Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
NANO Nuclear Raises $209 Million and Accelerates Microreactor Deployment
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix secures 20 Radiant microreactors and a nuclear deal in the Netherlands
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
Oklo selected for three pilot projects by U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
Eleven US companies selected to fast-track small nuclear reactor testing
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
South Africa confirms environmental authorisation for Duynefontein nuclear power plant
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant signs contract to deliver nuclear microreactor to the US military in 2028
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
Gravelines’ six reactors shut down after massive jellyfish invasion
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
IAEA confirms tritium levels well below limits for 14th batch of ALPS-treated water
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Surveys for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant enter active phase
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China begins construction of the first two nuclear reactors at Jinqimen
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Consent Preferences