TerraPower selected Wyoming for the Natrium™ reactor in June because it was clear that the state’s energy IQ, available trained workforce and positive community support would ensure a strong partnership for the future. Nearly six months later, the company announced Kemmerer as the exact location for the project. TerraPower immediately heard from state and community leaders that they were eager to get started, a sentiment shared by the project team. Step one would be a meeting between company and community leaders to begin charting the best path forward.
On January 19, TerraPower representatives hosted several meetings in Kemmerer with Rocky Mountain Power and local leaders to discuss what’s next for the Natrium project, answer questions and strengthen ties with the community, region and state of Wyoming.
Key discussion points during the meetings included planning for expanded housing, infrastructure needs, business development, vendor opportunities and timing for construction.
A LOOK AT WHAT’S AHEAD
At the project’s peak, approximately 2,000 workers will be on-site to construct the reactor in Kemmerer. Once the plant is operational, about 250 full-time employees will support day-to-day activities, including plant security. Because this is a large project with a lengthy construction process, a close partnership with the community will be crucial to success.
For the first three years, TerraPower will advance the plant design and submit a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The team will also complete necessary environmental and safety analysis reports, test fuel and equipment, and work with the industry to finalize detailed design and timing for fabrication of major equipment and supply of long-lead materials.
Early construction activities will likely begin in 2024. In the interim, TerraPower is also working with Wyoming educational institutions and Rocky Mountain Power to design and implement training for the future workforce.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EARLY 2022
Exploratory work has already begun to verify that the site meets regulatory standards for a nuclear power plant.
During TerraPower’s recent visit to Kemmerer, several community members mentioned that they noticed drilling machinery in fields outside of town just past the Naughton Power Plant. These drill rigs were collecting soil borings for analysis. While crews were extracting these soil samples, the TerraPower team, U.S. Department of Energy representatives and regulatory professionals from the NRC met to review the results and discuss the project timeline. These are foundational steps as we work with our government partners to receive approval for the facility’s construction.
TerraPower has also met with the Wyoming legislature during the past several weeks, ensuring that the state’s laws will support the plant’s construction. This legal framework is another critical step in meeting the delivery timeline.
KEMMERER IS READY TO LEAD
Kemmerer, Wyoming is accustomed to leading, especially when it comes to energy projects. The nearby Naughton Power Plant has been generating critical electricity for nearly 60 years, the region’s oil and gas fields continue to produce significant volumes and there are almost 300 megawatts of wind power between Kemmerer and Evanston.
TerraPower is proud to add our technology to Wyoming and Kemmerer’s rich history of energy production. We look forward to partnering with the community and local workforce to provide new clean energy jobs for the region.
