TerraPower is constructing its first reactor near a retiring coal facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. Engineers and developers are no longer treating the Natrium reactor as just a concept—they are actively constructing it as the only advanced, non-light water reactor in the Western Hemisphere. And they designed it to address the challenges of the clean energy transition.
Located near a former coal plant, the Natrium facility demonstrates nuclear energy’s role in reducing global carbon emissions. Additionally, TerraPower also expects the project to provide long-term economic support to this historic energy-producing community.
The Kemmerer site was selected after an extensive evaluation process that included four finalist communities across Wyoming. Key considerations included community support, site characteristics, licensing feasibility with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, existing infrastructure, and grid requirements. TerraPower’s technical teams spent five months visiting each location, gathering data, and assessing each site against regulatory and project criteria.
At peak construction, the project is expected to employ approximately 1,600 workers. Once operational, the plant will support around 250 permanent jobs, including plant security, providing stable employment for decades.
Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy, the Natrium plant will supply power to PacifiCorp’s Rocky Mountain Power customers across Wyoming and the broader region. As PacifiCorp continues to expand renewable energy and storage on its grid, the Natrium system specifically complements high levels of renewable generation by providing reliable, flexible power.
The Natrium® reactor and its integrated energy storage system represent a new generation of nuclear technology—emissions-free, cost-competitive, and adaptable. Designed for modern grid demands, it offers one of the fastest and most cost-effective pathways to advanced, zero-carbon energy.
Unlike traditional light water reactors, the Natrium system uses a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor and pairs it with an innovative molten salt energy storage system. This built-in, gigawatt-scale storage capability allows the plant to adjust output as needed, making it an ideal partner for grids with significant renewable energy, where power variability is a key challenge.
Note: This article was sourced from the following: https://www.terrapower.com/natrium/?_gl=1*ae2k1k*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTcyMDc5MDY5My4xNzc2NDU1MTIx*_ga_SS44MQ8YSB*czE3NzY0NTUxMjEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzY0NTUxMjEkajYwJGwwJGgxNTk3MTY2ODE4