On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC" or the "Commission") unanimously voted to issue a construction permit to a subsidiary of TerraPower, LLC ("TerraPower"), authorizing the company to construct the Natrium reactor project in Kemmerer, Wyoming (see the NRC press release here). The 345-megawatt ("MW") reactor will utilize a liquid-sodium passive cooling system, a paired liquid-sodium energy storage facility, advanced fuel, and a simplified design—all of which distinguish it from the conventional fission reactors that constitute the legacy U.S. nuclear power fleet. Construction of the facility has already begun, and TerraPower expects the plant to be ready to commence commercial operational by 2030. To begin generating power, TerraPower will need to obtain a Class 103 operating license pursuant to 10 C.F.R. Part 50.
