Name of the Project
Natrium reactor demonstration project.
Location
The project is expected to be built at a retiring coal plant in Wyoming, in the US.
Project Owner/s
Terrapower and PacifiCorp.
Project Description
The demonstration plant is intended to validate the design, construction and operational features of the Natrium 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 about 400 000 homes.
The energy storage capability allows for the plant to integrate seamlessly with renewable resources.
Potential Job Creation
According to project estimates, about 2 000 workers will be needed for construction at the project’s peak. Once the plant is operational, about 250 people will support day-to-day activities, including plant security.
Capital Expenditure
Federal funding is provided for the demonstration activity under a cost-shared cooperative agreement: the result of the project will be a commercially-owned generating asset.
Planned Start/End Date
The location of the Natrium demonstration plant is expected to be announced by the end of 2021.
Latest Developments
Kemmerer, in Wyoming, has been announced as the preferred site for the Natrium reactor demonstration project. Terrapower selected the location, near the Naughton power plant, following an extensive evaluation process and meetings with community members and leaders.
The demonstration project team evaluated a variety of factors when selecting the site of the Naughton power plant, where the remaining two coal units are scheduled to retire in 2025. Factors included community support, the physical characteristics of the site, being able to obtain a licence from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), access to existing infrastructure and the needs of the grid.
The Natrium reactor demonstration project’s preferred siting is subject to the finalisation of definitive agreements on the site and applicable permitting, licensing and support.
TerraPower expects to submit the demonstration plant’s construction permit application to the NRC in mid-2023. The plant is expected to be operational in the next seven years, aligning with the ARDP schedule mandated by Congress.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
TerraPower and GE Hitachi (Natrium system); Bechtel, Energy Northwest, Duke Energy (engineering and construction partners).
Contact Details for Project Information
TerraPower, tel +1 425324 2888 or emailpress@terrapower.com.