AREVA, Inc. recently completed fuel fabrication and testing services for TerraPower’s 600 MWe nuclear reactor prototype at its Richland, Washington, facility.
“Thanks to AREVA’s comprehensive offer and proven expertise, TerraPower selected our company for this important step in the advancement of their prototype reactor,” Ron Land, senior vice president of AREVA’s Fuel business unit in the U.S., said.
TerraPower was founded in 2006 by a group of investors led by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. It’s planned nuclear reactor prototype is part of the company’s goal to develop a scalable, sustainable energy source. Ultimately, the company envisions the low-carbon, cost-competitive power source as being the key to helping nations speed up economic development and reduce poverty.
Although AREVA typically manufactures nuclear fuel out of uranium for 30 reactors worldwide, the company is working with TerraPower to create fuel for its reactor out of the less expensive waste byproduct of depleted uranium.
“We remain committed to supplying the nuclear industry with safe, high-quality and economic fuel services that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Land said.
TerraPower hopes to have the new reactor fully operational by 2022.
