Federal Agency Accelerates Review Timeline for Proposed Wyoming Nuclear Power Plant
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced it will expedite the environmental and safety review of a proposed advanced nuclear power plant in western Wyoming, potentially moving the project several months closer to construction, WyoFile reports.
The decision affects the Natrium reactor, a $4 billion project spearheaded by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates.
In a notice sent to the Bellevue, Washington-based developer on Tuesday, the NRC said it will cut seven months from its ongoing evaluation process. The final environmental impact statement for the plant, to be located near Kemmerer, is now expected by December 31. The agency credited the timeline adjustment to “frequent and productive engagements” with TerraPower and an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump aimed at accelerating nuclear permitting processes.
The review is part of the NRC’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, initiated under the Trump administration, which supports faster development of next-generation nuclear technologies. TerraPower’s Natrium project is the first commercial advanced reactor application submitted under this initiative.
“This acknowledgement by the NRC that our application can be completed more quickly than originally anticipated is a testament to the incredible work by our Natrium team,” said TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque.
He also praised the federal government’s support and described streamlined reviews as a “commonsense solution” to bringing safe, American nuclear technology to market more quickly.
Despite the project’s momentum, not everyone is convinced the fast-tracked process is prudent. John Burrows, Energy and Climate Policy Director for the Wyoming Outdoor Council, expressed concern over the shortened review timeline.
“Expediting the review process is not something that inspires confidence when the stakes are very high for this first-of-its-kind project,” Burrows said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a thorough evaluation process, especially given the experimental nature of the Natrium reactor design.
The Natrium reactor, which will be cooled with liquid sodium rather than water, is designed to generate 345 megawatts of electricity with the capacity to reach 500 megawatts during peak demand. It will also use high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a more potent fuel than traditional sources.
TerraPower selected a site near the existing Naughton coal and natural gas power plant in Kemmerer after evaluating several locations in Wyoming. The company has already begun construction on non-nuclear components of the plant, following state approval earlier this year.
While the NRC continues under an accelerated schedule, it noted that public comments could still raise issues requiring further review beyond the December target. The final timeline depends on TerraPower’s continued cooperation in addressing any outstanding matters.
