Bill Gates has started construction on an advanced nuclear power plant in Wyoming, aiming to transform power generation.
Jennifer McDermott reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Gates' TerraPower is building a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor at a site next to PacifiCorp’s Naughton Power Plant, which will phase out coal and natural gas by 2036.
- The $4 billion project, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims for a 2030 completion but faces delays due to fuel supply issues.
- The reactor promises to provide carbon-free energy and may also supply industrial heat, potentially revolutionizing high-heat industrial processes.
Key quote:
“This is a big step toward safe, abundant, zero-carbon energy. And it’s important for the future of this country that projects like this succeed.”
— Bill Gates, chairman of TerraPower
Why this matters:
Unlike intermittent renewable energy sources, nuclear power can provide continuous, baseload power, which is essential for maintaining grid stability and meeting consistent energy demands.
Critics raise concerns about the safety and cost-effectiveness of nuclear power. Despite the advancements, they point to the challenges of nuclear waste management and the high initial investment required for such projects.
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