Bills Gates-backed 345 MW nuclear reactor to get fast-track approval from US regulator
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced it is accelerating its review of Bill Gates-backed TerraPower’s construction license application for the groundbreaking Natrium advanced reactor demonstration project.
The commission now anticipates completing its comprehensive safety and environmental evaluation by the end of 2025, a full eight months ahead of the previously revised schedule of August 2026.
“That project is expected to be completed in 2030 and will be the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the United States,” said the company in a press release.
This accelerated timeline marks the latest positive development for the pioneering project, which aims to build a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on the site of a retiring coal-fired power plant.
“The Natrium project is the only advanced nuclear developer to begin construction on a commercial-scale project in the U.S. The plant design features a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a patented molten salt-based energy storage system,” added the company.
“The storage technology can boost the system’s output to 500 MW of power when needed.”
Anticipated to be completed quickly
The NRC attributed the faster schedule to “frequent and productive engagements with TerraPower, along with other efficiency gains.” However, the commission noted that the accelerated timeline is contingent on TerraPower’s “continued commitment to resolve the remaining issues in a timely manner.”
Notably, TerraPower was the first developer to submit a construction permit application for a commercial advanced reactor to the NRC in March 2024.
“This acknowledgement by the NRC that our application can be completed more quickly than originally anticipated is a testament to the incredible work by our Natrium team and the support for advanced reactors at the federal level,” said TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque in a press release.
Shortening the review period
This is the second time this year the NRC has shortened the review period for the Natrium project. In February, the regulator announced it was ahead of schedule and moved the completion date from August 2026 to June 2026.
More recently, in May, the NRC granted an exemption allowing non-nuclear construction to begin on the energy production and storage portion of the plant this year.
A groundbreaking ceremony in June of last year marked the initial phase of construction at the Kemmerer site. With the latest exemption, work on the non-nuclear island can proceed while the NRC finalizes its review of the nuclear components. The company anticipates the plant will be commercially operational by 2031.
The Natrium project is a cornerstone of the US’ advanced reactor program, which aims to speed the development and deployment of new reactor technologies.
“The first Natrium plant is being developed through the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a public-private partnership,” concluded the press release.
Once the construction permit is granted, TerraPower will need to submit a separate application for a license to operate the plant.