US-based nuclear energy technology company TerraPower has partnered with PacifiCorp to study the possibility of installing reactors and storage systems in PacifiCorp’s service territory.
The companies will investigate the feasibility of deploying up to five additional Natrium reactors and integrated energy storage systems by 2035.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
They will identify locations for advanced reactors near existing fossil-fuelled generation sites to help PacifiCorp reuse its existing generation and transmission assets.
As part of the study, TerraPower and PacifiCorp will focus on opportunities that could reduce costs for PacifiCorp’s customers, as well as install advanced Natrium reactors more broadly.
TerraPower president and CEO Chris Levesque said: “This joint study is a significant step towards building the energy grid of the future for PacifiCorp’s customers and a tangible example of the promise advanced nuclear brings to utilities serious about leading the nation’s energy transition.
“We have been impressed and humbled by our work with the Kemmerer community and PacifiCorp.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“We look forward to evaluating new potential sites for Natrium plants that have the same energy expertise and capabilities as our demonstration site.”
Once the location of future Natrium plants is finalised, TerraPower and PacifiCorp will engage with local communities before any final sites are selected.
The companies said they are committed to bringing the Natrium technology to market and providing reliability and stability to the grid and energy-producing communities.
Based in Oregon, PacifiCorp serves six Western US states through its two operating divisions, Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power.
Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO Gary Hoogeveen said: “The study will allow us to explore a carbon-free, dispatchable energy resource that could provide reliable power to our customers.
“This is just a first step, as advanced nuclear power needs to be evaluated through our resource planning processes as well as receive regulatory approval.
“But it’s an exciting opportunity that advances us down the path to a net-zero energy future.”
