TerraPower begins construction on Wyoming nuclear reactor project

TerraPower, a company co-founded by Bill Gates, has broken ground on the Natrium nuclear power plant project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The project, which has received over $1 billion in investment from Gates and is also backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, aims to bring a small-scale reactor online by 2030.

The Natrium reactor features a unique design using liquid sodium for cooling and a molten salt storage system. This configuration allows the plant to surge its power output from 345 megawatts to 500 megawatts during peak grid demand, functioning much like a large-scale battery. The project is also supported by $2 billion in federal assistance.

The development marks a significant economic transition for Lincoln County, a region historically dependent on coal mining. While the influx of construction workers has provided a boost to local businesses, the project has divided the local community. Some residents welcome the new jobs and technological shift, while others express skepticism regarding the safety of the technology and the influence of wealthy investors.