UK's First TerraPower Natrium Reactor Could Generate Power by 2034

TerraPower, the US nuclear power company backed by Bill Gates, expects its Natrium sodium-cooled reactor could generate electricity in the UK as early as 2034. If the project progresses smoothly, the UK will become the company's first market for deploying this technology outside the United States.

TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque said that given the company's first Natrium reactor project is scheduled for completion in 2031, the Natrium technology is "highly likely to become a reality in the UK by 2034." The technology has already met relevant US regulatory requirements, and the first unit is under construction in Wyoming.

In recent years, the UK has accelerated the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) to enhance energy security and support climate goals. This year, the UK launched a framework to support private investment in nuclear energy projects. TerraPower's Natrium technology is currently undergoing the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process in the UK, a key regulatory step for new nuclear technologies to enter the UK market.

According to TerraPower, each Natrium sodium-cooled reactor has a baseline load power output of 345 megawatts and is equipped with an energy storage system that can boost output to 500 megawatts when needed, sustaining operation for more than five hours. The reactor will use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) as fuel. Previously, commercial supply of HALEU relied primarily on Russia; currently, both the UK and the US are building related production facilities.

TerraPower has not yet determined the specific site for its first UK project. The company said its UK subsidiary is likely to be based in Liverpool in northwest England, close to the UK nuclear regulator.

In the United States, TerraPower has signed a cooperation contract with Meta Platforms to jointly develop up to eight reactors. Levesque said the company may also explore similar cooperation models in the UK.