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Nvidia Joins Bill Gates-Backed TerraPower in $650M Push to Build Next-Gen Nuclear Plant
- Nvidia through its venture arm NVentures joins TerraPower in a $650M investment to build a next-generation nuclear reactor in Wyoming.
- The reactor uses a unique design called Natrium, employing molten sodium for cooling instead of water, allowing continuous operation even during low energy demand.
- The plant aims to generate 345 megawatts regularly and can ramp up to 500 megawatts for over five hours to balance fluctuations in solar and wind energy.
- TerraPower anticipates building the plant within three years once approval is granted.
- Nvidia's interest in energy aligns with the increasing power demands of AI data centers, making this investment a strategic move for the chipmaker.
- The investment round also involved support from Bill Gates and HD Hyundai, who were existing investors in TerraPower.
- Originally pursuing a different reactor design, TerraPower shifted to Natrium due to delays and uncertainty, finding the new design more promising.
- The construction of the first Natrium reactor is estimated to cost around $4 billion, potentially half funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Nuclear energy, particularly with advanced designs like Natrium, is gaining traction as a clean, reliable, and agile power source for evolving energy needs.
- The swift changes in the energy sector are giving nuclear energy a renewed focus, aiming for quicker construction and enhanced adaptability.
- TerraPower's endeavors signify real progress in transforming nuclear energy into a viable option for sustaining an AI-driven world, with support from key investors.
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