JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon today unveiled plans for a joint public-private venture to advance Natrium technology in the Cowboy State and to one day put a nuclear reactor in Wyoming at the site of a retiring coal plant to be named before the end of the year.
“Wyoming is energy,” Gordon said, introducing the project along with department heads from two companies to advance nuclear technology in Wyoming.
TerraPower and PacifiCorp are evaluating several potential locations in Wyoming for a Natrium reactor demonstration project at retiring coal plants in Wyoming. TerraPower was founded by Bill Gates.
“I am thrilled to see Wyoming selected for this demonstration pilot project, as our great state is the perfect place for this type of innovative utility facility and our coal-experienced workforce is looking forward to the jobs this project will provide,” Gordon added.
The development of a nuclear energy facility will bring tax revenue to Wyoming’s state budget, which has seen a significant decline in recent years. Historically, Wyoming’s main source of revenue has been through coal and oil, declining industries.
“This project is an exciting economic opportunity for Wyoming. Siting a Natrium advanced reactor at a retiring Wyoming coal plant could ensure that a formerly productive coal generation site continues to produce reliable power for our customers,” said Gary Hoogeveen, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, a business unit of PacifiCorp.
The location of the Natrium demonstration plant is expected to be announced by the end of 2021. The demonstration project is intended to validate the design, construction and operational features of the Natrium technology, which is a TerraPower and GE Hitachi technology.
“Together with PacifiCorp, we’re creating the energy grid of the future where advanced nuclear technologies provide good-paying jobs and clean energy for years to come,” said Chris Levesque, president and CEO of TerraPower. “The Natrium technology was designed to solve a challenge utilities face as they work to enhance grid reliability and stability while meeting decarbonization and emissions-reduction goals.”
In October 2020 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), awarded TerraPower $80 million in initial funding to demonstrate the Natrium technology. TerraPower signed the cooperative agreement with DOE in May 2021.
