Advanced nuclear power plant construction begins in Wyoming
Updated
Updated · NPR · May 2
Advanced nuclear power plant construction begins in Wyoming
8 articles · Updated · NPR · May 2
The project, partly funded by the US government and backed by Bill Gates, received a federal licence, allowing work to start on what is billed as the first such US reactor this century.
Supporters say the plant marks a step in a US nuclear revival and could showcase advanced reactor technology intended to deliver carbon-free electricity more flexibly.
The company says the technology is proven, but the sector still faces hurdles including costs, regulation, supply chains and broader public acceptance.
How will the Natrium plant overcome public skepticism and regulatory hurdles to become a model for U.S. nuclear renaissance?
Could the rush for nuclear to meet data center demand backfire, repeating the mistakes of past reactor projects?
With cost, fuel, and waste challenges looming, can advanced nuclear truly deliver on its promise of powering the AI-driven future?
Kemmerer Unit 1: Pioneering America’s First Utility-Scale Sodium-Cooled Natrium Reactor with Integrated Energy Storage
Overview
TerraPower's groundbreaking of the Natrium plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on April 23, 2026, follows the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's formal authorization in March 2026, which was granted after an expedited 18-month review process enabled by recent legislative reforms. This milestone was supported by significant funding, including $2 billion from the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and private investments totaling over $1.3 billion. Bechtel, selected as the EPC partner, brings critical expertise to the project. However, the plant's initial operation has been delayed to 2030 due to challenges in securing domestic HALEU fuel supply, which remains under development. Together, these factors highlight a major step toward advanced nuclear energy deployment in the US.