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Kemmerer Today
By the People, for the People
US Approves First Gen IV Nuclear Reactor Since 1980s
Natrium Demonstration Project in Wyoming marks a milestone in America's nuclear power revival.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The United States has taken a major step towards reviving its civilian nuclear power industry with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of the Natrium Demonstration Project, a Generation IV nuclear reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This marks the first non-light-water reactor to be built in the US since the 1980s, as the country looks to streamline regulations and encourage new nuclear development while maintaining safety standards.
Why it matters
After decades of stagnation in the US nuclear sector due to complex regulations, high costs, and legal challenges, the Natrium project represents a significant milestone in America's efforts to regain its status as a global leader in civilian nuclear power. The approval of this advanced reactor design signals a shift in the country's nuclear policy towards promoting innovation and a new generation of safer, more efficient nuclear technologies.
The details
The Natrium Demonstration Project is being developed by US SFR Owner, LLC, a subsidiary of TerraPower, as part of the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. Construction on the non-nuclear civil engineering components of the plant has been underway since 2024, and with the NRC's approval, work on the nuclear portions can now begin. As a Generation IV reactor, Natrium is notable for being the first non-light-water reactor to be built in the US since the 1980s. The technical design review was completed in under 18 months, and the formal application was accepted in May 2024, with the safety evaluation issued in December 2025 and the environmental impact statement finalized in October.
- Construction on the non-nuclear civil engineering components of the Natrium plant has been underway since 2024.
- The technical design review for the Natrium project was completed in under 18 months.
- The formal application for the Natrium project was accepted in May 2024.
- The safety evaluation for the Natrium project was issued in December 2025.
- The environmental impact statement for the Natrium project was finalized in October.
The players
US SFR Owner, LLC
A special-purpose vehicle and wholly owned subsidiary of TerraPower that is developing the Natrium Demonstration Project.
TerraPower
The company that owns US SFR Owner, LLC and is participating in the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
The US government agency that has approved the construction of the Natrium Demonstration Project, a key step in the project's development.
What’s next
Once the Natrium reactor is completed, the operator must still apply for a separate operating license before the plant can begin generating power.
The takeaway
The approval of the Natrium Demonstration Project represents a significant milestone in the United States' efforts to revive its civilian nuclear power industry, signaling a shift towards promoting innovation and a new generation of safer, more efficient nuclear technologies after decades of stagnation.
