TerraPower has initiated plans to explore potential sites for a Natrium reactor and energy storage facility in the US state of Utah, amid rising power demand.
The Bill Gates-backed company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and land developer Flagship Companies to facilitate the exploration.
The agreement also aligns with Utah Governor Spencer Cox's Operation Gigawatt, which aims to develop an energy ecosystem for the state and the Western US.
Under the MoU, the three organisations will collaborate to identify and evaluate sites for the Natrium reactor. They aim to provide preliminary site recommendations by the end of 2025.
The site selection process will consider community support, site characteristics, licensing potential from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and access to existing infrastructure.
Flagship Companies will contribute land data and assist in identifying potential sites for the reactor.
Governor Cox stated: “Operation Gigawatt is about adding capacity from diverse sources — nuclear, natural gas, geothermal and more — so families and businesses have power that is affordable, reliable and clean.
“This agreement with TerraPower will help keep rates low, strengthen our grid and ensure Utah’s future can be as strong as our past.”
TerraPower-developed Natrium technology involves a 345 megawatt electric sodium-cooled fast reactor paired with a molten salt-based energy storage system. This system can increase output to 500MW during peak demand while maintaining stable base output.
Its unique design can rapidly adjust power levels and uses significantly less water than traditional light water reactors. It began construction on the first Natrium project in Wyoming in 2024.
TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque stated: “TerraPower is excited to collaborate with Utah leaders and communities to explore how Natrium plants can help Utah achieve its economic and energy goals.
“Our Natrium reactor and energy storage system are well-suited for the Mountain West, and will play a vital role in ensuring a reliable grid for future generations.”
