Bill Gates-Backed Nuclear Reactor Gets Federal Approval to Start Building

TerraPower's advanced nuclear plant in Wyoming is the first new commercial reactor to receive federal clearance in nearly a decade.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a construction permit to TerraPower, a start-up founded by Bill Gates, allowing the company to begin building its novel nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This is the first new U.S. commercial nuclear reactor to receive federal approval in nearly 10 years.

Why it matters

Nuclear power has seen a resurgence of bipartisan interest in the U.S. as a potential solution for meeting rising electricity demand and fighting climate change. However, the high costs and lengthy timelines associated with building new nuclear plants have been major obstacles. TerraPower's advanced reactor design aims to address these challenges, potentially paving the way for more nuclear projects.

The details

TerraPower's reactor uses liquid sodium instead of water, allowing it to operate at lower pressures and reducing the need for costly shielding. It also has a molten salt battery that enables the plant to ramp up or down power output as needed, making it more compatible with fluctuating renewable energy sources on the grid. While the initial $4 billion-plus plant is expected to be expensive, TerraPower hopes to drive down costs by building more reactors and learning from experience.

  • The Nuclear Regulatory Commission unanimously voted to grant TerraPower's construction permit on March 4, 2026.
  • TerraPower had already broken ground on the site in 2024 and begun building the non-nuclear parts of the plant.
  • The Wyoming nuclear plant is currently expected to come online in 2031.

The players

TerraPower

A start-up founded by Bill Gates that is developing an advanced nuclear reactor design using liquid sodium coolant instead of water.

Chris Levesque

The chief executive of TerraPower.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The federal body that oversees nuclear reactor safety and granted TerraPower's construction permit.

Edwin Lyman

The director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, a frequent critic of the nuclear industry.

President Trump

The former U.S. president who ordered a sweeping overhaul of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today is a historic day for the United States nuclear industry. This is the first commercial-scale, advanced nuclear plant to receive this permit.”

— Chris Levesque, Chief Executive, TerraPower

“Make no mistake, this type of reactor has major safety flaws compared to conventional nuclear reactors that comprise the operating fleet. Its liquid sodium coolant can catch fire, and the reactor has inherent instabilities.”

— Edwin Lyman, Director of Nuclear Power Safety, Union of Concerned Scientists

What’s next

TerraPower plans to start work on the Wyoming reactor in the coming weeks, after receiving its construction permit. The company will still face hurdles in securing the necessary fuel and avoiding the cost overruns that have plagued other nuclear projects.

The takeaway

The approval of TerraPower's advanced nuclear reactor in Wyoming represents a significant milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry, which has struggled with high costs and lengthy timelines for new projects. If successful, this reactor could pave the way for more advanced nuclear plants that are easier and cheaper to build, potentially helping to expand the role of nuclear power in the fight against climate change.