Bill Gates-backed TerraPower starts construction of innovative nuclear reactor in Wyoming

In the outskirts of a rural coal town in southwest Wyoming, a groundbreaking project is in progress to develop the first of a new series of American nuclear power plants.

Construction commenced on Tuesday for an innovative nuclear reactor, aiming to be more compact and cost-effective than the traditional massive reactors. Its goal is to generate electricity without emitting the carbon dioxide responsible for the accelerated global warming.

TerraPower's Endeavor

TerraPower, a pioneering start-up, is spearheading the construction of this reactor, with an expected completion date of no earlier than 2030. However, the project is confronted with formidable challenges, as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has yet to endorse the design, and the company must navigate through the inevitable delays and budget overruns that have plagued numerous nuclear initiatives in the past.

Bill Gates' Support

Despite these obstacles, TerraPower benefits from the backing of a highly influential and financially robust founder. Bill Gates, currently ranked as the seventh-wealthiest individual globally, has already invested over $1 billion of his wealth in TerraPower, with plans to further increase this amount. This robust support underscores the significance and potential of this ambitious nuclear energy venture.