The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted TerraPower approval to build a novel nuclear reactor near an aging coal power plant in Wyoming. This milestone marks the first commercial reactor permit issued by the NRC in nearly a decade.
TerraPower, founded in 2015 and supported by Nvidia, is collaborating with GE Vernova Hitachi to develop the Natrium reactor. Unlike traditional water-cooled reactors, Natrium will be cooled by molten sodium, a unique approach that the company claims will enhance safety. This is the first time in over four decades that the NRC has approved a commercial reactor not utilizing water cooling.
The Natrium design includes the storage of excess molten sodium in insulated tanks to facilitate continuous energy production. This stored energy can be deployed during periods of low demand, complementing fluctuations in renewable energy output and contributing to cost-effective power generation.
By adhering to established regulatory procedures, TerraPower secured permission to construct the reactor on private land, demonstrating its commitment to safety and compliance. As the demand for electricity, particularly from data centers, escalates, the pressure mounts on the government to expand generating capacity, driving interest in new nuclear technologies.
Source: TechCrunch