• Project updates, regulatory approvals, construction milestones, and more

Excitement is building as TerraPower, led by CEO Chris Levesque, advances the construction of its Natrium Nuclear Power Plant located just south of Kemmerer. In a recent interview on the Weekday Wake-up, Levesque shared significant updates on the project, highlighting recent regulatory approvals and construction milestones.

This summer marks a critical phase for the Natrium facility, which has witnessed substantial on-site activity. In January, the Wyoming Industrial Sighting Council approved the construction of the non-nuclear components of the plant, which account for approximately 70% of the overall project. Levesque highlighted that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is also ahead of schedule in its review of the necessary nuclear permits.

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“We’ve been mobilizing non-nuclear construction to support our facilities,” Levesque explained. “If you go out there today, you can see a torrent of concrete on our test facility. Later this year, we’re going to start construction of what we call the energy island, which includes the turbines and the molten salt storage facility.”

The regulatory landscape in Wyoming has been advantageous, enabling TerraPower to proceed efficiently. “The review by the Wyoming Industrial Sighting Council was rigorous; our application was something like 1,500 pages. The people of Wyoming should be happy that those regulators are making sure things are done right, but it’s also the right level of scrutiny, not too much nor too little. They’re pragmatic, and that’s why it makes this a great place to do this project.”

Looking ahead, Levesque expects the NRC to formally deliver its final approval in the third quarter of next year, though he is hopeful the timeline could be expedited due to recent executive orders from the White House aimed at speeding up the licensing process for new reactors.

A crucial aspect of the project is the fuel supply. TerraPower is collaborating with a company called ASP for its initial fuel source, as domestic options are currently limited. “We would have preferred to get it from the U.S., but that source is not available today,” Levesque stated. “We need fuel for many reactors and for the reloads that will occur every two years over the 60-year life of these plants.”

The recent focus on nuclear energy from the Trump administration has further bolstered TerraPower’s efforts. The administration has been very supportive, and it is crucial for U.S. energy security and maintaining its leadership in nuclear technology. Levesque stated, “The Trump administration realizes that if we’re not leading nuclear energy around the world, you’ll see new countries that turn to Russia and Chinese technology instead of American technology.”

With ongoing backing from local and federal entities, the Natrium Nuclear Power Plant is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of energy in the United States, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to advanced nuclear technology.