345 Megawatt Fast sodium-cooled reactor is under construction

The project supported by Bill Gates, TerraPower, is moving into the next phase. TerraPower originally planned to build its first reactor in collaboration with China. However, tightened trade and technology restrictions between the USA and China led to these plans being abandoned.

The Bechtel Group, which is the largest construction and plant construction company in the United States, has begun building a sodium reactor. It was developed by TerraPower. The reactor relies on sodium technology, which is significantly safer compared to conventional nuclear reactors. For example, it uses liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water, which increases safety and reduces the need for large, complex safety structures. The special thing about the reactor is that unlike conventional nuclear reactors, some of which were still created on the drawing board, it was completely developed using the latest design and simulation methods.

The US nuclear regulatory authority has now approved the construction application for the sodium reactor, representing the first review of a commercial advanced reactor design by the authority. Kemmerer in Wyoming has been chosen as the location for the new reactor. A mini-nuclear power plant is being built here near a decommissioned coal-fired power plant, which will later use the existing infrastructure of the former power plant.

Advantages and future perspectives

One of the biggest advantages of the sodium reactor is its ability to harmonize with other clean energy sources and diversify the power supply. Dark doldrums could potentially destabilize a power grid solely based on renewable energy. The construction of the power plant is a crucial step towards the US's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The ability to build smaller, modular nuclear reactors and deploy them at locations with existing infrastructure is an important step in this direction.

The sodium reactor is designed to efficiently utilize spent fuel rods, which are waste products from conventional nuclear reactors. This technology, also known as "Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor" (SFR), has the potential to burn nuclear fuels in such a way that less long-lived radioactive waste is produced and the need for enrichment of spent fuel rods is eliminated.

In addition, from the outset, TerraPower has focused on close cooperation with Bechtel to optimize the entire lifecycle of the project. This includes planning, construction, and operation, leading to a significant reduction in total costs.

Local impact and collaboration. Bechtel built the Naughton coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer in the 1960s.

Bill Gates is a key supporter and investor in TerraPower. As a co-founder and major financier, he strongly drives the project forward. His commitment to innovative technologies and sustainable energy sources is reflected in his vision for a cleaner and safer future. Gates' influence has not only enabled the development of the sodium reactor but has also helped secure partnerships and government support essential for the progress and success of such groundbreaking projects.

The next few years will be crucial to demonstrate the efficiency and safety of the sodium reactor and to gain further investments and support for advanced nuclear technologies. The reactor construction is expected to be completed by 2030. (mr)