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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a construction permit for TerraPower to build a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor in Wyoming, the first commercial reactor permit issued in eight years. Construction is slated to begin shortly, with completion of the up to $4 billion facility targeted for 2030.

The 345-megawatt reactor, located near Kemmerer, is designed to produce up to 500 megawatts at peak capacity. This marks the NRC's first approval for a non-light-water reactor in over 40 years. The plant will utilize molten sodium instead of water as a coolant, aiming to generate less nuclear waste than traditional reactors. The project has received bipartisan interest amid rising electricity demands, particularly for data centers.