TerraPower and Meta have announced a significant agreement to develop up to eight Natrium advanced nuclear plants across the United States. This collaboration aims to enhance the reliability of the U.S. power grid by adding carbon-free energy sources to meet rising demand. Under the terms of this agreement, Meta will receive up to 2.8 GW of baseload energy, with the potential to increase total output to 4 GW through Natrium’s innovative energy storage capabilities.
The partnership marks Meta’s largest investment to date in advanced nuclear technology. According to Chris Levesque, president and CEO of TerraPower, “To successfully address growing energy demand, we must deploy gigawatts of advanced nuclear energy in the 2030s.” He emphasized that this agreement is designed to facilitate the rapid rollout of Natrium technology, which is positioned to deliver flexible, reliable, and carbon-free power.
The initial units of the Natrium plants are expected to be operational by 2032. The agreement includes early development activities for two Natrium units, with options for six additional units. Each reactor will generate 345 MW of baseload power and will feature built-in energy storage capable of ramping up to 500 MW for durations exceeding five hours. Additionally, a dual Natrium unit can supply 690 MW of firm power and up to 1 GW of dispatchable electricity.
As both companies move forward, they plan to identify a specific site for the initial dual reactor unit in the coming months. This proactive approach aims to streamline the deployment process and ensure that the benefits of advanced nuclear energy can be realized quickly.
The Natrium technology, developed by TerraPower in collaboration with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, is seen as a frontrunner in the advanced reactor sector. The first commercial-scale project is currently under construction in the U.S. and is expected to be completed by 2030. This facility is notable for being the only advanced nuclear technology with a complete environmental impact statement and a final safety review submitted as part of a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Urvi Parekh, Director of Global Energy at Meta, stated, “Meta is committed to supporting innovative energy solutions that can deliver reliable, scalable, and clean power for our operations and the communities we serve.” She highlighted that this agreement is a pivotal step in advancing next-generation nuclear technology, which is crucial for job creation and innovation in local communities, thereby reinforcing the United States’ leadership in energy technology.
As the demand for reliable, clean energy continues to grow, the collaboration between TerraPower and Meta represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Both companies are positioned to play a vital role in reshaping the energy landscape while addressing critical environmental challenges.
