TerraPower
TerraPower develops advanced nuclear technologies, including the Natrium™ Reactor and Integrated Energy Storage, and the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR), aiming to provide carbon-free energy and decarbonize industries.
Natrium™ Reactor and Integrated Energy Storage Technology
TerraPower develops the Natrium™ reactor, a sodium fast reactor combined with a molten salt energy storage system. The Natrium technology offers carbon-free energy at a competitive cost and is designed to integrate seamlessly into electric grids with high levels of renewables. The reactor demonstration project is being constructed at a retiring coal plant in Wyoming. The Natrium system can significantly boost output to 500MWe for more than five and a half hours when necessary, showcasing its adaptability and efficiency in modern energy grids.
TerraPower Isotopes
TerraPower Isotopes specializes in the separation and processing of Thorium-229 into Actinium-225. This process holds potential for improving cancer treatments by targeting and destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. They are collaborating with Isotek to recover Thorium-229 from Uranium-233 stockpiles managed by the U.S. Department of Energy. This venture marks a significant stride in medical isotope production, potentially contributing to more effective and less invasive cancer therapies.
Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) Technology
The Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) project at TerraPower aims to decarbonize industries by generating electricity more efficiently and without emissions. Operating at higher temperatures than conventional reactors, the MCFR offers potential for process heat applications and thermal storage. The MCFR design team reached a milestone of 1,000 hours of isothermal loop operations as of July 2019. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded a five-year, $40 million cost-share for the MCFR project, supporting its innovative approach to using liquid salt as both fuel and coolant in the reactor core.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
TerraPower has formed strategic partnerships to advance its technological initiatives. For the MCFR project, it collaborates with Southern Company, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Electric Power Research Institute, and Vanderbilt University. Additionally, TerraPower works with numerous U.S. national laboratories, including Idaho National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and the Y-12 National Security Complex. It also collaborates with universities such as MIT, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, Penn State University, Texas A&M University, University of Michigan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Wisconsin, and Washington State University.
Commitment to Workforce Development
TerraPower is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which provides active-duty service members with civilian work experience during their last 180 days of service. This initiative underscores TerraPower's commitment to workforce development by equipping service members with practical experience that can help them transition to civilian employment. It is an example of how the company supports the professional growth and career transition of military personnel.