TerraPower's Natrium Reactor Moves Forward in UK Regulatory Assessment Process

TerraPower's Natrium Reactor Accepted into the UK Regulatory Process

In a significant development, TerraPower, a prominent innovator in nuclear technology, has witnessed the acceptance of its Natrium reactor into the United Kingdom's Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. This announcement was made by Chris Levesque, the President and CEO of TerraPower, on February 19, 2026. This milestone signifies a major step toward the potential deployment of advanced nuclear energy solutions in the UK, with expectations for sustainability and efficiency.

The GDA process is crucial for assessing proposed designs for new nuclear facilities in the UK. TerraPower's application, submitted in October 2025, marks its first regulatory filing for the Natrium plant outside the United States, indicating the company's ambition to expand its innovative energy solutions internationally.

Chris Levesque expressed his enthusiasm regarding this acceptance, stating, “We are incredibly pleased to have our application accepted into the UK’s Generic Design Assessment process. TerraPower prides itself on its technical rigor, and we will bring our industry-leading team and robust regulatory experience to support this review.” He also expressed eagerness to collaborate with various UK governmental bodies, including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).

Understanding the Natrium Reactor Technology

The Natrium reactor represents a cutting-edge approach to nuclear energy generation. Characterized by its sodium-cooled fast reactor design, it also features a molten salt-based energy storage system. This innovative storage capability enhances the reactor's responsiveness, allowing it to increase its output from a base of 345 megawatts electric (MWe) to as much as 500 MWe when needed. This flexibility is particularly notable as it enables the reactor to maintain consistent production during standard operations while swiftly ramping up output during peak demand periods, establishing it as a unique player in the advanced reactor landscape.

With the first Natrium project currently in development in the United States, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the company has begun construction on non-nuclear components of the site since June 2024. Ultimately, the Natrium plant is poised to become the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the United States, showcasing the potential of nuclear technology to contribute to a low-carbon energy future.

The Vision of TerraPower

Founded by Bill Gates and a consortium of visionary leaders, TerraPower aims to tackle some of the world's most pressing energy challenges through innovative nuclear solutions. The company emphasizes a commitment to understanding and addressing global needs related to energy independence and environmental sustainability. TerraPower’s approach integrates public and private sector strengths, embodying a collaborative spirit in advancing technological frontiers.

As the regulatory processes in the UK and the U.S. unfold, TerraPower's progress with the Natrium reactor may serve as a beacon for the nuclear energy sector, illustrating how advancements in design and technology can enable safer, more efficient energy production. This development not only reflects a shift towards modern energy generation methods but also highlights a broader commitment to sustainability through nuclear power.

In conclusion, the acceptance of TerraPower's Natrium reactor application into the UK’s regulatory framework is a significant milestone that could pave the way for the future of nuclear energy both in the UK and globally. As nations grapple with the challenges of energy transition and climate change, the innovations brought forth by companies like TerraPower could play a pivotal role in building a sustainable energy landscape.