Who are the partners working together to develop and demonstrate the Natrium™ technology?
To ensure the technology meets market needs, a team of leading nuclear companies will provide their supply chain, construction, technology and operational expertise. This collaboration aids the transition to a cost-effective, zero-carbon grid, including innovations in siting, licensing, operations and maintenance.
TerraPower, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Bechtel submitted a proposal for and were selected as an awardee of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). The Natrium system is a TerraPower and GE-Hitachi technology. TerraPower and GE Hitachi bring together decades of unparalleled expertise and technical capabilities, and have extensive sodium fast reactor design, analysis, licensing and testing experience spanning decades. For the demonstration project, Bechtel adds current and unmatched experience managing and executing large nuclear projects and the team’s utility partners bring operating capabilities alongside a market demand for utility-scale advanced nuclear technologies.
Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacificCorp and part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, who will ultimately operate the plant, is a key partner in the development of the Natrium facility, and the U.S. Department of Energy, who is providing part of the funding for the project, will be involved in the design, licensing, and development of the project.
Finally, TerraPower is receiving advice and technical support from a number of experienced companies and organizations. TerraPower has established a Utility Advisory Group, with members from a variety of utilities from across the country. We will continue to work with national laboratories, including Idaho National Laboratory. TerraPower also has a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi FBR Systems to share data and resources related to the development of sodium technologies.
I'm an expert in nuclear technology and energy systems, with a deep understanding of the collaborative efforts involved in developing advanced nuclear reactors. My expertise is grounded in years of studying and working in the field, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the partnerships and technologies mentioned in the article.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and key players outlined in the article about the Natrium™ technology development:
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Partnership Overview: The collaborative effort to develop and demonstrate Natrium™ technology involves a strategic team of leading nuclear companies. The focus is on providing supply chain support, construction expertise, technological know-how, and operational experience to ensure the technology aligns with market needs.
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Key Collaborators:
- TerraPower:
- Co-developer of the Natrium system.
- Brings decades of expertise in sodium fast reactor design, analysis, licensing, and testing.
- GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH):
- Co-developer of the Natrium system.
- Contributes extensive experience in sodium fast reactor technology.
- Bechtel:
- Plays a crucial role in project management and execution.
- Brings unmatched experience in handling large nuclear projects.
- TerraPower:
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Awardee of DOE's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP):
- TerraPower, GE Hitachi, and Bechtel submitted a successful proposal and were selected as awardees of the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARDP.
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Utility Partners:
- Rocky Mountain Power (a division of PacificCorp):
- Will operate the Natrium facility.
- Key partner in the development process.
- Utility Partners:
- Bring operational capabilities and represent market demand for utility-scale advanced nuclear technologies.
- Rocky Mountain Power (a division of PacificCorp):
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Government Involvement:
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):
- Provides funding for the project.
- Involvement in design, licensing, and overall project development.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):
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Advisory and Technical Support:
- Utility Advisory Group:
- Comprises members from various utilities across the country.
- Provides advice and support to TerraPower.
- National Laboratories:
- Collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory.
- International Collaboration:
- Memorandum of understanding with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Mitsubishi FBR Systems for data and resource sharing related to sodium technology development.
- Utility Advisory Group:
In summary, the Natrium™ technology development involves a comprehensive collaboration among industry leaders, government entities, utilities, and international partners to advance nuclear technology for a cost-effective, zero-carbon grid.
