TerraPower is building its first reactor near the site of a retiring coal facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in a joint effort with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project.
It is the only advanced, non-light water, reactor in the Western Hemisphere being built today to meet the challenges of the clean energy transition.
Currently under construction near a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, the Natrium plant is proof that nuclear will play a critical role in combating climate change globally.
It will also provide key support to this historic energy producing community's local economy for decades to come.
The site was selected after a significant search including four finalist communities in Wyoming. The Natrium project team evaluated a variety of factors when selecting the site of the future Natrium plant. These included local community support, the physical characteristics of the site, the ability to obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the site, access to existing infrastructure and the needs of the grid.
TerraPower's technical teams spent five months visiting each community, collecting data and evaluating this information against regulatory and project requirements.
The project will employ approximately 1,600 workers during peak construction of the plant in Kemmerer. Once the plant is operational, about 250 workers will support day-to-day activities, including plant security. Those jobs will be in the community for many decades to come once the reactor is operational.
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 Deti
Executive Director, Wyoming Mining Association
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 Dockstader
Wyoming Senate President
Growing up in Kemmerer, it became very apparent that in my desired job field, there weren't many job opportunities for me to come back to. I am extremely excited for the Natrium plant to come. It will not only boost our small-town economy but give my family and so many others the option to stay in Kemmerer. Due to the Natrium plant, the prospect of coming home and working in this field is possible.
-Olivia Nielson
Kemmerer High School Graduate, Civil Engineering Major
TerraPower's selection of Southwestern Wyoming as the site for their new clean nuclear energy technologies has unleashed great opportunity to a rich and diverse area of Wyoming known for its energy and mineral production, fossil tourism, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The new ideas from PacifiCorp and TerraPower, in the Kemmerer/Diamondville area, has brought an air of innovation in complementary industries such as clean energy recycling, hydrogen hub development, carbon capture and storage, but most importantly the expansion and new uses of natural gas, oil, and coal. By selecting our community, TerraPower has opened a plethora of opportunities for positive, responsible, and sustainable growth throughout the whole community.
-Stephen P. Allen
MBA, Liaison for the South Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation (SLCEDC)
Our beloved town of Kemmerer has a rich history in providing the energy that drives Wyoming. Our shop, Fossil Fuel Coffee Co, pays tribute to that heritage and to the natural wonder of our entire region. Now we look forward to the exciting clean energy future that TerraPower will bring to Wyoming!
-Elizabeth and Brian Tresp
Owners of Fossil Fuel Coffee Co.
TerraPower's announcement to develop the Natrium Demonstration Reactor and to site the project in Wyoming was a seminal event in establishing new markets for other well-established industries within the state. The announcement fueled optimism for Peninsula Energy, a Wyoming based uranium producer. Wyoming is a leader in uranium production and Wyoming's producers are now motivated to reestablish a meaningful domestic uranium production capacity. Congratulations and welcome to Wyoming!
-Wayne Heili
Managing Director/CEO, Peninsula Energy - Casper Wyoming
The Natrium project team considered strong local community support when selecting the site.
The site boasts ideal physical characteristics, making it a perfect fit for the Natrium plant.
The ability to obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was a crucial factor in site selection.
Access to existing infrastructure and the needs of the grid were key considerations for the site's feasibility.
The project will create approximately 1,600 jobs during peak construction and sustain around 250 jobs once operational.
The Natrium plant is being developed through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy and its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The plant will provide power to support PacifiCorp’s Rocky Mountain Power customers in Wyoming and throughout the region.
PacifiCorp is adding a significant number of renewable power sources and energy storage units to its regional grid. The Natrium technology is specifically designed to integrate into a grid with high levels of renewables and is a great match for meeting the state and region's future power needs with reliable and flexible generation.
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