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Nvidia wants in on the nuclear renaissance, invests in Bill-Gates backed TerraPower
- TerraPower, a nuclear startup funded by Bill Gates, secured a $650 million investment round to construct its inaugural commercial power plant.
- Nvidia's venture arm, NVentures, joined the funding, marking its first energy investment, alongside existing investors such as Bill Gates and HD Hyundai.
- TerraPower began building its first power plant in Wyoming in June 2024, awaiting permits expected next year, facilitated by the favorable nuclear stance of the Trump administration.
- The plant will feature Natrium reactors cooled by molten sodium, enabling more stable operation with excess heat stored for increased demand periods.
- The reactors generate 345 megawatts of electricity, bridging the gap between current large reactors and future modular designs, facilitating steady-state operation.
- TerraPower's storage system can provide 500 megawatts of electricity for over five hours, aiding in balancing solar and wind power generation.
- Initially pursuing a different reactor design, TerraPower shifted to the Natrium design due to uncertainties and expects completion within three years after concrete pouring.
- Although the first Natrium reactor might be cost-effective compared to recent U.S. counterparts, the project could amount to $4 billion, with potential Department of Energy funding covering half of the expenses.
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