Why It Matters
Wyoming’s first nuclear power plant is now under construction outside Kemmerer, marking a significant shift in the state’s energy landscape. The project promises hundreds of permanent jobs and affordable electricity for a region that has historically relied on coal and natural gas generation.
What Happened
Construction crews have started site preparation for the Natrium nuclear power plant at the base of the Wyoming Range south of Kemmerer. Heavy equipment is reshaping the roughly 60-acre site where the 345-megawatt facility will be built over the next 42 months, with completion expected in 2031.
TerraPower received critical federal approval in March when the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction permit. The company had previously secured a Wyoming Industrial Siting Council permit in early 2025. More than 1,000 engineers spent three years developing the design to meet regulatory requirements.
The Bellevue, Washington-based company, backed by Bill Gates, selected the Kemmerer location nearly five years ago because of available land, cooling water access, and existing electrical transmission infrastructure near the Naughton natural gas plant.
By The Numbers
• 345 megawatts of generating capacity planned
• 42 months projected construction timeline
• 1,300 construction jobs expected during the build
• 250 permanent positions once operational
• 94 existing nuclear reactors currently operating at 54 U.S. power plants
What Makes It Different
The Natrium plant uses sodium as a cooling agent instead of water, eliminating the high-pressure steam systems that require extensive steel and concrete containment in traditional nuclear facilities. This next-generation design reduces both construction time and labor costs compared to conventional reactors.
The nuclear reactor will be built underground, another departure from existing U.S. nuclear plants. TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque said the design allows the facility to compete economically with combined-cycle natural gas plants, currently considered the cheapest electricity source.
Construction costs have increased from the original $4 billion estimate due to rising labor and steel expenses, though Levesque declined to provide an updated figure. The company maintains the project remains economically viable despite higher costs.
Zoom Out
Wyoming is positioning itself at the center of advanced nuclear energy development as the nation seeks to meet growing electricity demand while addressing climate concerns. The state’s traditional energy economy, built on coal and natural gas, is diversifying into nuclear power generation.
If the 2031 completion target holds, the Natrium plant will go from initial announcement to grid operation in approximately one decade. Construction of non-nuclear components began in 2024, with nuclear-specific work now underway.
What’s Next
Site preparation will continue over the coming months as crews build foundations for the underground reactor and supporting facilities. The project must navigate the 42-month construction schedule while managing costs that have already exceeded initial projections.
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