TerraPower, a nuclear innovation company, and KBR (NYSE: KBR) today announced a strategic alliance to establish a long-term collaboration for the commercialization and deployment of Natrium reactors in North America, the United Kingdom, European Union and beyond.
The agreement lays the groundwork for establishing a replicable contracting framework for rapid deployment of Natrium reactors that reduces financial risk and ensures cost transparency. Together, TerraPower and KBR will work closely with utilities and energy off-takers to implement the new framework. Under the arrangement, TerraPower will lead efforts related to engineering, research and development, supply chain and regulatory activities. KBR may provide Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management services including design, commissioning, and financial leadership through its unique business model.
The alliance will also support planning and strategy for early project development and site characterization activities, as well as communication strategies for governmental cooperation to promote Natrium on a global scale.
“This agreement will build even greater certainty into the Natrium technology’s supply chain, project management and overall business model,” said Chris Levesque, TerraPower President and CEO. “Next generation reactors, like the Natrium technology, are a critical energy resource for grids that are increasingly in need of reliable power from clean, baseload energy sources. Our design is a nuclear plus storage option that is well suited to deliver this energy and we are excited about KBR’s ability to help us more rapidly deploy this important technology.”
“We are delighted to form a strategic alliance with TerraPower for the long-term Natrium plant development program,” said Jay Ibrahim, President KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “By combining KBR’s proven program management and project delivery capabilities and TerraPower’s expertise in advanced nuclear technology; this collaboration aims to deliver cost-effective, scalable energy solutions for clients globally.”
The Natrium technology is the first-mover in the advanced reactor sector and is well positioned to support the exploding energy demand for data centers. The Natrium plant is the only advanced nuclear technology with a construction permit application for a commercial reactor pending with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the only advanced nuclear developer to begin construction on a commercial project in the United States. The first Natrium plant is being developed through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a public-private partnership. That project is expected to be online in 2030 and will be the first commercial, utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.