It is estimated that the first power station, driven by the founder of Microsoft, will generate enough electricity to supply 400,000 homes. The model could reach many other countries.
The need for clean, sustainable energy has led to the search for alternatives to traditional models. Bill Gates, through his company TerraPower, has taken a key step in this direction with the construction of the first Natrium plant, a new generation nuclear reactor that uses liquid sodium as a coolant, which is being built in Wyoming.
Unlike conventional reactors, the Natrium technology operates at low pressure, reducing the risk of accidents. The use of sodium allows for better thermal management, reducing the production of radioactive waste and increasing uranium efficiency. In addition, it has a molten salt storage system, which allows it to adjust energy production according to demand.
The design of the modular reactor allows for a capacity of 345 MW, expandable to 500 MW, enough to supply some 400,000 homes. According to Chris Levesque, CEO of TerraPower, the plant will be three times smaller than a conventional nuclear plant and will have a much lower operating cost.
A project led by Bill Gates
Bill Gates himself has been a key figure in promoting this technology. During the inauguration event, he said that “I have been waiting for this day for almost 20 years”. The project will have 1,600 workers during its construction and will generate 250 jobs once it is up and running.
Although work has already begun, TerraPower still needs approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to activate the reactor. The company has applied for the license, although the evaluation process could delay the plant’s entry into operation.
Advanced modular reactors have aroused growing interest in different regions of the world. In Europe, their deployment by 2030 is being studied as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The progress of the Natrium project could consolidate this technology as one of the main energy solutions of the future.
