Providing New Energy Resources in Wyoming
The Demonstration Project
TerraPower is working to advance a Natrium™ reactor demonstration project at a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This advanced energy demonstration project is intended to validate the design, construction, and operational features of the Natrium system, a TerraPower and GE Hitachi technology.
The project features a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system.The storage technology can boost the system’s output to 500 MW of power when needed, which is equivalent to the energy required to power around 400,000 homes. The energy storage capability allows the plant to integrate with grids that have a high penetration of renewable resources.
100% Secure
The Natrium technology enhances safety, building on existing reactors’ already strong track record of safe operations. Instead of water, the Natrium reactor uses sodium as its coolant.
Utilizing Local Workforce
Wyoming has been a leader in energy for more than 100 years. Wyoming is home to highly-skilled, well-trained workers who understand the value of always-on electricity for their communities.
Industry Leading
The Natrium technology will use the high temperature heat from the reactor to power a molten salt storage system that can store tremendous amounts of energy; levels of magnitude larger than the energy stored in typical battery storage facilities.
U.S. Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program
TerraPower is building the Natrium plant through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). This program authorizes up to $2 billion for the Natrium project. TerraPower and partners will match this investment dollar for dollar.
Upon completion, the Natrium plant will be a fully functioning commercial power plant. PacifiCorp will own and operate the plant as part of its energy generation fleet.
Project Supporters
Our state continues to pave the way for the future of energy.
”I am thrilled to see Wyoming selected for this demonstration pilot project, as our great state is the perfect place for this type of innovative utility facility and our coal experienced workforce is looking forward to the jobs this project will provide. I have always supported an all-of-the-above energy portfolio for our electric utilities. Our state continues to pave the way for the future of energy, and Wyoming should be the place where innovative energy technologies are taken to commercialization.
Mark GordonWyoming Governor
An exciting economic opportunity for Wyoming.
”This project is an exciting economic opportunity for Wyoming. Siting a Natrium advanced reactor at a retiring Wyoming coal plant could ensure that a formerly productive coal generation site continues to produce reliable power for our customers. We are currently conducting joint due diligence to ensure this opportunity is cost-effective for our customers and a great fit for Wyoming and the communities we serve.
Gary HoogeveenPresident and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp
Helps Wyoming’s communities remain viable and thriving.
”I commend Rocky Mountain Power for joining with TerraPower in helping Wyoming develop solutions so that our communities remain viable and continue to thrive in a changing economy, while keeping the state at the forefront of energy solutions.
Dan DockstaderWyoming Senate President
Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to create long-term, well-paying jobs for Wyomingites.
”Wyoming is home to the most experienced energy workforce in the country and has a proven record of success with advancing innovative new energy technologies. I congratulate PacifiCorp and TerraPower on their work to get the project to this stage and am excited for the opportunities this brings to Wyoming. Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to create long-term, well-paying jobs for Wyomingites as well as provide low-carbon options for utility customers. As the Wyoming Energy Authority works to advance the state’s energy strategy and provide the nation with carbon net negative baseload power, we stand ready to assist the Governor and his office with any needs they may have in supporting this project.
Dr. Glen MurrellExecutive Director of Wyoming Energy Authority
Our producers stand ready, willing, and able to safely provide vital fuel.
”This is an exciting opportunity for Wyoming to open a new chapter in the nuclear power industry. Advanced nuclear generation clearly fits the bill for zero-emission, reliable and dispatchable electricity necessary to power our country into the future. Wyoming is the nation’s leader in the production of domestic uranium. Our producers stand ready, willing and able to safely and responsibly provide the vital fuel for America’s next generation of nuclear power.
Travis DetiExecutive Director, Wyoming Mining Association
Wyoming needs better, safer, cheaper nuclear to meet a net-zero carbon goal by 2050.
”This is exciting news. TNC Wyoming supports the development of advanced nuclear technologies because we know we need better, safer, cheaper nuclear to meet a net-zero carbon goal by 2050. We appreciate the governor’s actions to make Wyoming carbon negative.
Hayley MortimerWyoming director of The Nature Conservancy
Project Team Members
