Major Approval Granted for Bill Gates’ First Nuclear Reactor

The nuclear energy company founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower, has received critical approval for its 345 MW sodium-cooled nuclear reactor .

The approval comes from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council (ISC) for the first unit of TerraPower’s inaugural Natrium Power Plant, located at the Kemmerer Power Station. This clearance allows construction of the energy island section, which includes molten salt storage tanks and turbines, and covers all non-nuclear construction and operational activities outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Natrium: Nuclear Power with Storage Capability

Natrium technology integrates a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a gigawatt-scale molten salt energy storage system, enabling power output increases up to 500 MWe for over 5.5 hours when needed. Fueled by High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), it supports renewable energy integration and enhances grid reliability.

With this approval, TerraPower can accelerate its construction schedule. Plans include starting construction of the Kemmerer Training Center and energy island in 2025, while continuing work on the sodium testing facility initiated in 2024. TerraPower President Chris Levesque stated, “This is the first state permit for a commercial-scale advanced nuclear project, demonstrating the groundbreaking efforts of our team.”

Primarily funded by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, TerraPower is the first and only developer to apply for NRC certification for commercial advanced nuclear reactors. The March 2024 application is expected to be approved by December 2026.

TerraPower is building this project under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). Upon completion, the Natrium plant will replace a retired coal-fired power station, making it the world’s first plant transitioning from coal to nuclear. Commissioning is planned for 2031.

In addition, TerraPower is establishing a HALEU production facility in South Africa. Partnering with ASP Isotopes, the company will leverage innovative laser-based technologies to fund the site. This move is critical, as the U.S. remains dependent on Russia for nuclear fuel.