TerraPower gets OK to start construction of its first nuclear plant

On Wednesday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission took a significant step by granting its first construction approval in nearly ten years. This milestone allows TerraPower, a company notably backed by Bill Gates, to commence work on a groundbreaking nuclear facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming. TerraPower is on the forefront of nuclear innovation with its unique reactor design known as Natrium. This new model distinguishes itself through its sodium-cooling system and integrated energy storage capabilities. While this approval does not guarantee operational authorization for the reactor, it is a crucial advancement for the company's vision. One of the standout features of the Natrium reactor is its use of liquid sodium for cooling, which addresses some of the complications associated with high-pressure steam in conventional water-cooled reactors. However, this choice comes with inherent risks, as sodium can react vigorously with air and water. Additionally, the Natrium reactor is a fast-neutron reactor that has the potential to utilize isotopes typically categorized as radioactive waste in standard designs. Compared to traditional nuclear plants, which often operate at around one gigawatt, Natrium is relatively compact at 245 megawatts. Its design also incorporates a salt-based thermal storage system, allowing heat to be stored for generating electricity as needed. This capability enables the plant to complement renewable energy sources, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining flexible electricity output of up to 500 megawatts.