The US has issued a permit for the construction of the first part of the molten salt reactor

21.01.2025/16/30 XNUMX:XNUMX    340

TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates in 2008, has received permission to build the non-nuclear components of the Natrium reactor, which will be located on the site of a former coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer, USA.

The Natrium project is an innovative attempt to transform the energy landscape of the United States. The company has now begun construction of an “energy island” consisting of turbines and tanks for storing energy in the form of molten salts. Such tanks allow you to accumulate excess energy, storing it in the form of heat, which can be used to ensure a stable power supply even during peak loads. This solution is an important element of the transition to environmentally friendly energy sources.

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However, the permit for the nuclear portion of the reactor is still pending approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). TerraPower says the application is expected to be reviewed this year or next, and if approved, construction could begin in 2026. The importance of this step is underscored by the fact that Natrium will be the first nuclear facility in the U.S. to replace a coal-fired power plant while preserving jobs and supporting the local economy.

The former coal-fired Naughton Power station, which has been in operation since the 1960s, is due to close in 2025 due to inefficiency and non-compliance with modern environmental regulations. However, the new Natrium reactor will not only ensure sustainable development for the region, but also set a new energy standard. By integrating advanced technologies, this project will have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, contributing to global climate goals.

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TerraPower’s success has also been fueled by government funding. In 2020, the company received an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project. This initiative aims to accelerate the development and deployment of new types of nuclear reactors that could become the foundation of a sustainable energy supply in the future.

TerraPower President Chris Leveque emphasized that the U.S. permitting process is complex and lengthy, but the company has managed to overcome administrative hurdles. Thanks to teamwork and innovation, TerraPower has made significant progress in implementing the Natrium project, which is already considered a model for the future of nuclear energy.





cikavosti.com

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