NRC Completes Safety Review for Wyoming's Natrium Advanced Reactor – Ahead of Schedule!

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission expedites approval process for cutting-edge nuclear technology in Wyoming.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:42am

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and innovations behind the Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor technology.The NRC's expedited approval of the innovative Natrium reactor design in Wyoming signals a new era of advanced nuclear technology that could transform the energy landscape.Kemmerer Today

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has completed its safety evaluation for TerraPower's Natrium reactor plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, a month ahead of the already accelerated timeline. This marks a significant milestone in the licensing process for this advanced nuclear technology, which features a sodium-cooled fast reactor and molten salt energy storage system.

Why it matters

The NRC's use of a risk-informed, performance-based approach to review the Natrium reactor application represents a shift in how advanced nuclear technologies will be evaluated. This could streamline the licensing process and pave the way for more innovative nuclear projects to move forward, potentially transforming the energy landscape.

The details

The NRC initiated the formal review of TerraPower's application in May 2024, initially targeting August 2026 for completion. However, the agency was able to accelerate the process and finish the evaluation by the end of 2024. The NRC's Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards thoroughly scrutinized the safety aspects of the application and found no concerns that would prevent the issuance of a construction permit.

  • The NRC initiated the formal review of TerraPower's application in May 2024.
  • The NRC initially targeted August 2026 for completion of the review.
  • The NRC was able to complete the evaluation by the end of 2024, a month ahead of the accelerated timeline.

The players

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The independent agency responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials in the United States.

TerraPower

A nuclear technology company founded by Bill Gates, developing the Natrium reactor design.

US SFR Owner, LLC

A subsidiary of TerraPower that will apply for the operating license for the Natrium reactor plant.

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy

A joint venture between General Electric and Hitachi, collaborating with TerraPower on the Natrium project.

Jeremy Groom

The acting director of the NRC's Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

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What they’re saying

“We're ahead of schedule, and that's a testament to our dedication to expediting licensing decisions for these advanced reactors.”

— Jeremy Groom, Acting Director, NRC Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

“This milestone is the culmination of years of meticulous work and collaboration.”

— Chris Levesque, President and CEO, TerraPower

What’s next

If the NRC approves the construction permit, TerraPower's subsidiary, US SFR Owner, LLC, must then apply for a separate operating license before the Natrium reactor can begin operations. Meanwhile, construction of the non-nuclear parts of the site is already underway.

The takeaway

The NRC's expedited review and approval of the Natrium reactor design represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States. This innovative project, backed by the Department of Energy, has the potential to revolutionize the energy sector, but it will still face additional hurdles before it can become operational.