The Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) has signed a memorandum of understanding with TerraPower and Flagship Companies to study potential locations in the state where to install an advanced Natrium-type nuclear reactor and a energy storage system. This effort is part of Governor Spencer Cox’s “Operation Gigawatt,” a statewide strategy to double Utah’s energy capacity.
How will the Natrium nuclear reactor work?
TerraPower, the company founded by Bill Gates, proposes to implement its Natrium technology: a sodium-cooled fast reactor with a generating capacity of 345 MWe, which can be scaled up to 500 MWe through thermal storage in molten salts. This will allow to maintain a constant production and also to respond to demand peaks, strengthening the electricity grid in the western region.
The process will include analysis of available infrastructure, federal licensing feasibility and local community support. Flagship Companies, specializing in land development, will provide strategic information to identify viable sites. Preliminary recommendations are expected by the end of 2025.
A solution adapted to water-stressed regions
The Natrium technology requires less water than traditional light water reactors, making it ideal for water-scarce regions such as Utah. In addition, its modular design and operational flexibility make it an attractive solution in the face of increased consumption from data centers, artificial intelligence and widespread electrification.
Governor Cox has reiterated that Utah must lead the way in state-of-the-art energy technologies. Public-private cooperation represents a replicable model for other U.S. regions in the face of today’s energy and climate challenges.
With this alliance, Utah positions itself as a leader in the exploration of advanced nuclear advanced nuclear solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the foreseeable future.
Source and photo: TerraPower
