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TerraPower's Advancement in Nuclear Technology: The Natrium Reactor Accepted into the UK

In a positive move for nuclear innovation, TerraPower's Natrium reactor has been formally accepted into the United Kingdom's Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. TerraPower President and CEO, Chris Levesque, expressed his excitement over this milestone, emphasizing the company’s commitment to technical excellence and regulatory diligence.

A New Era in Nuclear Power

The Natrium reactor, which boasts a capacity of 345 MWe, incorporates a unique sodium-cooled fast reactor complemented by a molten salt-based energy storage system. This inventive design not only stabilizes base output but also provides the ability to ramp up production to 500 MWe when necessary—a feature that distinctly categorizes it among advanced reactor designs. Levesque remarked, "We are incredibly pleased to have our application accepted into the UK's GDA process". This acceptance signals a significant step towards enhancing the UK's energy landscape through cutting-edge nuclear technologies.

The GDA application, submitted in October 2025, marks TerraPower's inaugural regulatory filing in an international market. Levesque noted the company’s eagerness to collaborate with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), and the Environment Agency (EA) throughout the review process.

The Potential of the Natrium Reactor

The Natrium reactor technology is not merely an enhancement to existing energy solutions; it represents a paradigm shift in how we conceive energy production. By incorporating a robust energy storage solution, the Natrium technology is engineered to fulfill both steady-state output and sudden increases in demand—addressing a common challenge faced by traditional energy systems.

The first emergence of the Natrium reactor project is in the United States, fueled by a collaboration between TerraPower and the U.S. Department of Energy. Construction of the non-nuclear components began in June 2024, aiming to establish the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the nation. The collaborative effort reflects TerraPower’s goal of harnessing public-private partnerships to further the potential of nuclear energy.

Future Outlook

TerraPower's partnership with the UK underscores a broader ambition: to redefine energy sustainability and energy independence through nuclear advancements. As Chris Levesque articulated, the company is positioned to leverage its extensive regulatory experience and innovation to enhance the UK’s energy security. The acceptance into the GDA process not only paves the way for potential operational success but also signifies a step towards mitigating global energy challenges.

TerraPower has established itself as a frontrunner in the nuclear energy sector, co-founded by Bill Gates with aspirations to address some of the world's most pressing energy dilemmas. With each advancement, the company seeks to amalgamate strengths from both public and private sectors, enabling a collaborative approach to global energy needs.

As discussions unfold and evaluations progress, both industry experts and energy stakeholders will be observing TerraPower’s journey in the UK with keen interest. This initiative not only promises to fortify the UK's energy portfolio but also shines a light on the transformative potential of nuclear technology in the global arena.

For additional insights about TerraPower and their revolutionary nuclear solutions, visit terrapower.com.