Kemmerer, Wyoming Approves First New U.S. Nuclear Reactor in Nearly a Decade

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorized construction of a groundbreaking advanced nuclear power plant in the coal-reliant town.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a construction permit for TerraPower's subsidiary, US SFR Owner, to build the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This will be the first commercial nuclear reactor approved for construction in the United States in nearly a decade and the first non-light water reactor in more than 40 years. The 345-megawatt plant with energy storage capabilities is seen as a potential solution to replace the town's shuttered coal-fired power plant and diversify the local economy.

Why it matters

The approval of the Kemmerer nuclear plant marks a significant milestone for advanced nuclear energy in the U.S., as the country looks to expand its carbon-free power generation. For the town of Kemmerer, which has long relied on the coal industry, the new nuclear plant represents an opportunity to transition its energy and economic future.

The details

The Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 will be a 345-megawatt advanced nuclear reactor with an energy storage system capable of temporarily boosting output to 500 megawatts. TerraPower, the plant's developer, filed its application in March 2024 for a site next to the town's existing coal plant, and the NRC completed its technical review in under 18 months, issuing a safety evaluation last December and a final environmental impact statement in October.

  • The NRC authorized construction of the Kemmerer nuclear plant in March 2026.
  • The existing coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer shut down its final units last year, though a conversion to natural gas helped prevent over 100 layoffs.

The players

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The independent agency responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials in the United States, including the approval of new nuclear reactor construction.

TerraPower

A nuclear technology company that is developing the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1, a groundbreaking advanced nuclear reactor.

US SFR Owner

A subsidiary of TerraPower that will own and operate the Kemmerer nuclear plant.

Ho Nieh

The Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who called the Kemmerer plant approval a "historic step forward for advanced nuclear energy in the United States."

John Barrasso

A U.S. Senator from Wyoming who says the state is the ideal location for modern nuclear infrastructure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.