Nvidia Invests in Bill Gates-Backed TerraPower for Nuclear Push
▼ Summary
– TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, secured $650 million in funding to build its first commercial power plant in Wyoming.
– Nvidia’s venture arm, NVentures, joined the funding round, marking its first energy investment.
– TerraPower’s Natrium reactor uses molten sodium for cooling and storage, enabling steady operation and flexibility to meet demand fluctuations.
– The reactor is expected to generate 345 megawatts, bridging the gap between traditional large reactors and future small modular reactors.
– The project could cost up to $4 billion, with the Department of Energy potentially covering half, and aims for completion within three years after construction begins.
TerraPower, the nuclear energy company established by Bill Gates, has secured $650 million in fresh funding to accelerate development of its inaugural commercial power plant. The investment round attracted notable backers including Nvidia’s venture arm NVentures, marking the chipmaker’s debut in the energy sector, alongside continued support from Gates and HD Hyundai.
Construction is already underway for TerraPower’s pioneering reactor site in Wyoming, though final regulatory approval for the reactor design remains pending. Industry observers anticipate clearance could come as early as next year, given the current administration’s supportive stance on nuclear innovation.
The company’s Natrium reactor technology represents a significant departure from conventional nuclear plants. Instead of water cooling, these reactors utilize molten sodium, a design that incorporates substantial excess capacity. This allows continuous operation during low demand periods, with surplus heat stored in specialized tanks. When electricity needs spike, the system taps this reserve to power steam turbines without requiring the reactor to adjust output.
Engineered to bridge renewable energy gaps, the storage component can deliver 500 megawatts for over five hours, complementing intermittent solar and wind generation. TerraPower initially explored alternative reactor concepts but pivoted to the Natrium model after technical and regulatory challenges emerged.
While promising faster construction timelines, three years post-foundation pouring, the project carries a hefty price tag. Estimates suggest costs could approach $4 billion, with the U.S. Department of Energy potentially covering half through its advanced reactor demonstration program. The Wyoming facility’s 345-megawatt capacity positions it between traditional large-scale reactors and emerging small modular designs, offering a potential blueprint for scalable, dispatchable clean energy.
(Source: TechCrunch)
