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Bechtel’s Impact Report

The Natrium Demonstration Project

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Delivering The Future of Energy

The Natrium Demonstration Project – Advancing Clean Energy

Bechtel is leading the charge to deliver the future of energy innovation as we embark with our partner TerraPower to construct the Natrium™ Demonstration Plant. With Bechtel's unparalleled expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction, we are driving the realization of this visionary project, shaping the landscape of sustainable energy for generations to come.

The Natrium Demonstration Project represents more than just a technological feat—it's a testament to our collective commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we can drive meaningful progress towards decarbonization and combat the urgent threat of climate change.

Together with TerraPower we are laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow, powered by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision of a world powered by clean, resilient energy.

Advance Reactor Technology

Bechtel is TerraPower's engineering, procurement, and construction partner on the first-of-a-kind Natrium™ Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The project is a part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. With a sodium fast reactor, integrated energy storage and flexible power production, the Natrium technology offers carbon-free energy at a competitive cost and is ready to integrate seamlessly into electric grids with high levels of renewables. Bechtel adds current and unmatched experience managing and executing large nuclear projects to the team.

Bechtel: A Legacy of Excellence in Nuclear Power

With a legacy dating back to the 1950s, Bechtel has been a driving force in the evolution of nuclear power. Having designed, built, or provided services to over 80 nuclear reactors in the United States and 150 worldwide, Bechtel's history in nuclear power is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. From delivering next generation reactor technologies to setting industry standards for safety and efficiency, Bechtel has played a pivotal role in shaping the global nuclear landscape.

The Vision

Set against the backdrop of a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, this advanced energy demonstration seeks to validate the design, construction, and operational features of the Natrium system. As the nexus of TerraPower and GE Hitachi technology, the Natrium reactor represents a leap forward in clean, sustainable power generation. The project will bring a commercial operating, advanced nuclear reactor online that will deliver carbon-free, reliable power to the electric grid and provide good-paying jobs in Wyoming for decades to come.

Key Features

At the heart of the project lies a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor, coupled with a molten salt-based energy storage system. This innovative storage technology empowers the system to boost its output to 500 MW of power when needed, equivalent to the energy required to power around 400,000 homes. The integration of energy storage capabilities not only enhances grid stability but also enables seamless integration with renewable resources, marking a significant milestone in our transition to a greener energy future.

Fast Facts

  • 500 MW
    output of power when needed
  • 400,000 homes
    equivalent of power produced
  • TerraPower is leading the way in bringing the next generation of nuclear energy to market. 
  • The Natrium technology is built for the 21st century grid and is one of the fastest and lowest-cost paths to advanced clean energy that the world needs.
  • The Natrium technology — a 345-megawatt sodium fast reactor coupled with a molten salt-based integrated energy storage system — provides clean, flexible energy and stability for the grid.

Bechtel's Contribution

As the engineering, procurement, and construction partner for the Natrium demonstration project, Bechtel brings decades of experience and expertise to the table. With a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, Bechtel is uniquely positioned to tackle the challenges inherent in constructing a first-of-its-kind nuclear facility. From meticulous planning to precise execution, Bechtel's commitment to excellence ensures that the Natrium demonstration project will set new standards for safety, efficiency, and innovation.

Digital Delivery

The Natrium Demonstration project stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation in nuclear construction. By pioneering our Digital Delivery approach, we are revolutionizing the nuclear industry's landscape. This cutting-edge methodology, now being implemented in our latest projects such as the Natrium Project and the Lubiatowo-Kopalino AP1000 Project on Poland’s Baltic Coast, marks a paradigm shift.

Our approach integrates advanced technologies like 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) within a Central Data Environment, seamlessly streamlining workflows from design to procurement, construction, and handover. This digital framework enables electronic creation and completion of construction work packages, including digital signatures and real-time updates, eliminating the inefficiencies of paper-based processes. With access to real-time information, project leaders can make data-driven decisions, ensuring efficient and transparent project execution.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a sustainable energy future with the Natrium demonstration project. Together, we can shape a world where clean energy knows no bounds.

Learn more about Bechtel here.

Visit TerraPower's website here.

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