New Nuclear Reactors

Industry Discussions Nuclear Power
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WSJ Apr 24 reports two new nuclear reactors are beginning construction. Terra Power founded by Bill Gates began construction in Wyoming on Apr 22. Completion is expected in 42 months–roughly October 2029. It uses liquid sodium for heat transfer to avoid the problems of high pressure steam. Capacity is 345 megawatts but can boost to 500 megw short term. Modular design is intended to reduce cost overruns and delays. Power will go to the PacifiCorp grid. Gates is still a major investor but Nvidia and shipbuilder HD Hyundai are participating.

Kairos Power also began construction last week for a plant in Oakridge, TN that will sell power to Google via TVA. Capacity is 50 megawatts. It is a research reactor. It uses molten fluoride salt for heat transfer. Google has agreed to buy up to 500 megawatts from Kairos to reduce their carbon footprint. Kairos Power will fabricate modules in Albuquerque, N.M., and ship them to Oak Ridge for assembly

https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/americas-first-commercial-nuclear-power-projects-in-a-decade-just-broke-ground-25ae8c9c?mod=Searchresults&pos=1&page=1

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It will be important to see the cost and schedule of Terra Power plant in October 2029 or later if the schedule is too optimistic.

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