The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a construction permit for TerraPower’s advanced nuclear reactor facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The decision enables TerraPower to begin building a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor near an existing coal-fired power plant in the area.
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) expressed support for the NRC’s approval. “Wyoming is the energy capital of America. We are also the number one producer of uranium in the country,” said Senator Barrasso. “That’s why Wyoming is the right place to build modern nuclear energy infrastructure that provides safe, affordable, and reliable energy. This groundbreaking project is another way to help diversify Wyoming’s already strong energy economy.”
Nuclear power generates nearly 20 percent of electricity in the United States and remains the largest source of carbon-free energy nationwide. Wyoming leads U.S. uranium production, with significant reserves located in areas such as the Powder River Basin.
TerraPower submitted its application for this sodium-cooled advanced reactor design in May 2024. NRC staff recommended issuing a construction permit in December 2025, which led to this recent approval.
Senator Barrasso has sponsored legislation related to domestic nuclear fuel supply and security. In 2024, he introduced and saw enacted into law the Reduce Russian Uranium Imports Act, which bans imports of certain types of uranium from Russia or Russian entities into the United States. Additionally, his Nuclear Fuel Security Act became law as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, directing federal efforts to increase domestic production of low-enriched uranium for reactors and ensure availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium for advanced technologies.
