Photo by: Terrapower
Name of the Project
Natrium reactor demonstration project.
Location
Near a retiring coal facility 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 be seamlessly integrated with renewable resources.
Potential Job Creation
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
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Terrapower has been working closely with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) during pre-application meetings and is confident in its application.
The demonstration plant's design means that nonnuclear construction will start in mid-2024, while nuclear construction will begin after the application has been approved, the company has said.
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.