Wyoming has taken a significant step towards advanced nuclear energy as the Industrial Siting Council granted TerraPower a construction permit for its Natrium nuclear power plant near Kemmerer. This marks the first state permit awarded to a commercial-scale advanced nuclear project in the United States, paving the way for a new era of energy production.
A Milestone For Advanced Nuclear Energy
The Wyoming Industrial Siting Council’s approval allows TerraPower to begin construction on the non-nuclear components of the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1. While the company awaits a crucial permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the nuclear-related facilities, this state-level approval is a major achievement. TerraPower anticipates the NRC permit in December 2026, but the unique design of the Natrium plant permits non-nuclear construction to commence during the review period.
- This is the first state permit ever awarded to a commercial-scale advanced nuclear project.
- TerraPower expects NRC approval for nuclear facilities in December 2026.
- Non-nuclear construction can begin while the NRC review is ongoing.
Project Details and Timeline
TerraPower, founded by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, selected Kemmerer in 2021 to co-locate the plant near the Naughton natural gas and coal-fired power plant, aiming to leverage existing infrastructure and local workforce. The state’s permit review involved a thorough analysis of environmental and socioeconomic impacts, including measures to mitigate potential negative effects on wildlife and cultural resources.
The Natrium plant is designed to generate a consistent 345 megawatts of power, with the capacity to ramp up to 500 megawatts for short periods, enough to power approximately 250,000 homes. It will utilize high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel and liquid sodium for cooling. The project faced a delay in its in-service date from 2028 to 2030 due to global events, particularly the disruption in HALEU supply following the invasion of Ukraine. TerraPower is working with U.S.-ally nations and the Department of Energy to secure HALEU supplies and develop a domestic production chain.
Future Outlook
TerraPower plans to begin generating electricity in 2030. The company has a phased construction approach, with workforce needs peaking at around 1,600 workers in 2028. If successful, TerraPower intends to deploy numerous Natrium plants globally, with plans for several more in Wyoming. PacifiCorp, operating as Rocky Mountain Power, has a tentative agreement to consider operating the Natrium plant and integrating its power into its service territory.
Community and Environmental Considerations
The state’s review process included an extensive 1,459-page permit application from TerraPower, detailing potential impacts and mitigation strategies. These measures include noise limits and restrictions on nighttime lighting to minimize disturbances to local wildlife. The project is a significant undertaking, with an estimated total cost of $4 billion, supported by a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, which is expected to contribute approximately $2 billion.
