TerraPower, the company started by technology magnate Bill Gates in 2006, is preparing to begin construction of the first next-generation nuclear power plant in the United States, located in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
With activation plans for 2030, this project marks a milestone in nuclear energy production, promising to revolutionize the sector with cutting-edge technology.
First new generation nuclear power plant in the U.S.: a groundbreaking project
Chris Levesque, TerraPower’s CEO, shared that the project, which is scheduled to begin in the middle of this year, has secured initial private financing of $1 billion. In addition, a government contribution of up to US$2 billion is anticipated to cover the plant’s construction and start-up costs.
A key innovation of this nuclear reactor is its cooling system, which will use liquid sodium instead of water. This alternative not only significantly reduces costs (up to 50% less than conventional light water reactors) but also improves plant efficiency and safety. The boiling point of sodium, close to 900 °C, allows for more economical and effective operations.
The Natrium reactor, the heart of this new plant, has the capacity to generate 345 MW of power. However, it has the flexibility to increase its output up to 500 MW during critical periods of more than five hours, thanks to a thermal storage system that uses large molten salt tanks. This capability makes it a kind of “thermal battery,” in Levesque’s words, capable of responding to fluctuations in energy demand.
Although the initial purpose of the Kemmerer plant is to serve as a demonstration model, Te r raPower envisions it eventually becoming a full-fledged commercial facility. This ambitious project aims not only to be a benchmark in nuclear power generation, but also to set a new standard in the energy industry.
Pending approvals
Despite the enthusiasm and readiness to start construction, TerraPower is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a crucial step in moving forward. However, this pending procedure does not appear to be an obstacle to the start of construction, reflecting the confidence and commitment of the team behind the project.
This project not only testifies to the unlimited potential of innovation in the energy sector, but also highlights the growing commitment to sustainable and low-emission solutions.
The TerraPower’s new generation nuclear power plant could lay the groundwork for a new era in power generation, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, offering a shining example of how science and technology can converge to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Don’t miss any of our posts and follow us on social media!
Inspenet.com YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram
Source: current.rt.com
Photo: shutterstock
Loading...
