

Transformative New Power Plant
TerraPower Broke Ground on a Transformative New Power Plant
The headline caught my attention: Kemmerer, Wyoming will soon be home to the most advanced nuclear facility in the world. On June 10th, TerraPower held its groundbreaking ceremony for the Natrium nuclear reactor. The Kemmerer City website says it has a 100-year history that is steeped in coal mining, railroads, and bootlegging. It looks like they will need to update their site to now include nuclear energy.
Bill Gates founded TerraPower. Yes, the guy who helped revolutionize the personal computer industry now has his sights set on the energy industry. Gates’ philanthropic work has now emerged as a prominent advocate for nuclear power. Driven by a deep concern for climate change and the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources, Gates believes that advanced nuclear technologies are crucial for achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
A Significant Milestone for the Future of Clean Energy
TerraPower aims to revolutionize the nuclear energy sector with innovative technology designed to be safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Wyoming, traditionally known for its coal industry, represents a strategic choice for TerraPower’s groundbreaking project. The Natrium reactor is being built in the shadow of a retiring coal plant, symbolizing a transition from old to new and a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
This development marks a pivotal change in the region’s economic and environmental landscape. The plant will create numerous jobs, bolstering the local economy while positioning Wyoming as a leader in advanced nuclear technology.
The Natrium technology features a sodium-cooled fast reactor paired with a molten salt energy storage system, capable of generating 345 megawatts of power. That’s a complicated description for a modern nuclear power plant paired with a giant battery. The technology is three times more efficient than a typical nuclear reactor.
This case will go a long way to prove what TerraPower claims, that the Natrium plant is easier, faster, and less expensive than any other reactor designs. The company claims it can go from pouring concrete to loading fuel in just three years.
Gates’ Vision for Nuclear Power
Gates envisions a future where nuclear power plays a key role in the global energy mix. He advocates for the development of advanced nuclear reactors as key to combat climate change. In his book, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,” Gates outlines the importance of innovation in clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He also emphasizes the need for government and private sector collaboration to promote the development of these technologies. He believes that with the right policies and investments, nuclear power can be a safe, affordable, and scalable solution to meet the world’s growing energy demands while mitigating climate change.
Still a long road
Despite the potential benefits, Gates’ advocacy for nuclear power will have critics. There are plenty of challenges associated with nuclear energy, including high costs, long development times, and public apprehension due to past nuclear accidents. Additionally, idea of nuclear proliferation or the spread of nuclear weapons and related technology to nations that do not currently possess them remains a significant concern.
Gates acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic about the potential of advanced nuclear technologies to overcome them. He believes that through continued innovation and rigorous safety measures, the risks can be minimized, and the benefits maximized.
As the world struggles with the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources, Gates’ vision for nuclear power offers a hopeful path forward. With continued investment and collaboration, nuclear energy could become a cornerstone of the global effort to achieve a carbon-neutral future.
Going forward, we here at Mangrove Investor are keeping a close eye on nuclear energy. We also believe nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in the future energy mix. There will be opportunities and we want to be well positioned to participate in them.
For the Good
Michael Nichols
Numbers You Need to Know
775 Billion
1 inch
27 Tonnes
About 27 tonnes of uranium – around 18 million fuel pellets housed in over 50,000 fuel rods – is required each year for a 1000 MWe pressurized water reactor. In contrast, a coal power station of equivalent size requires more than two and a half million tonnes of coal to produce as much electricity (World Nuclear Association)
What’s New in Sustainable Investing
Rivian secures up to $5 billion from Volkswagen, shares soar more than 50%
Volkswagen announced that it would invest up to $5 billion in the fledgling electric manufacturer Rivian as part of a new equally controlled and owned joint venture to develop a next-gen EV architecture. (CNBC)
Individual Investors’ Interest in Sustainability Is on the Rise
More than half of individual investors say they plan to increase their allocations to sustainable investments in the next year, while more than 70% believe strong ESG practices can lead to higher returns. (Morgan Stanley)
Video Of The Week
Is nuclear energy one thing that both sides of the aisle can agree on?
Bill Gates is moving ahead with a nuclear power plant in Wyoming, he tells Face the Nation that support for nuclear power is very impressive in both parties in Congress.