Overview
TerraPower is an innovative nuclear energy company based in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 2006 by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries, TerraPower aims to develop advanced nuclear reactor designs to provide safe, affordable, and carbon-free energy. The company is best known for its Natrium reactor, a sodium-cooled fast reactor with molten salt energy storage. As of 2025, TerraPower has raised over $810 million across several funding rounds. The company is privately held and not publicly traded.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: TerraPower raised $650 million from investors, including Nvidia's VC arm, to further its advanced nuclear projects. (Source: Axios)
- April 2025: TerraPower notified the British Office for Nuclear Regulation of its intention to enter the Generic Design Assessment process for its Natrium reactor. (Source: Wikipedia)
- March 2025: TerraPower expands its contractual collaborations for the Natrium project, including agreements with Curtiss-Wright and Mirion Technologies. A project labor agreement was also signed with the North America's Building Trades Unions. (Source: ANS News)
- February 2025: The US DOE completed an environmental assessment for TerraPower's Natrium project, supporting its continued progress in Wyoming. (Source: NucNet)
- January 2025: A strategic collaboration was announced with Sabey Data Centers to incorporate Natrium reactors into future data center facilities. This reflects TerraPower’s commitment to integrating with expanding digital infrastructures. (Source: GeekWire)
- June 2024: The groundbreaking for the first Natrium commercial reactor took place in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The plant is expected to operationalize by 2030. (Source: Fool.com)
Company Information
Attribute | Information |
---|
Founding Date | 2006 |
Headquarters | Bellevue, Washington, USA |
Founders | Bill Gates, Edward Jung |
Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
Key Investors | Nvidia, ArcelorMittal, Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering |
Industry | Nuclear Energy |
Number of Employees | Approx. 400 |
Early History
TerraPower was founded in 2006 by Bill Gates and Edward Jung with a vision to leverage nuclear technology for sustainable energy solutions. Initially, the company focused on developing traveling wave reactors (TWRs), a pioneering technology aimed at utilizing depleted uranium and minimizing nuclear waste. Through collaborations and partnerships, TerraPower set the stage for groundbreaking innovations in nuclear reactor designs. In its early years, the company engaged in extensive research and collaboration with global partners to test and refine its technologies. This period laid the groundwork for future advancements, including the successful launch and development of the Natrium reactor, which has become central to TerraPower's mission of advancing nuclear energy solutions.
Company Profile and Achievements
TerraPower has established itself as a leader in nuclear innovation with its cutting-edge Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor. Key highlights of its journey include:
- 2006: TerraPower was founded with the goal of advancing nuclear technology for clean energy solutions.
- 2010s: The company focused on developing TWR technology, collaborating globally to innovate a safer nuclear solution.
- 2018: TerraPower expanded its portfolio to include medical isotopes for cancer treatment, showcasing its versatility in nuclear applications.
- 2020 onwards: The shift to focusing on the Natrium reactor marked a new era, capitalizing on a design that promises to be cheaper and more efficient than traditional reactors.
- 2022: Successfully raised $830 million, the largest private raise among nuclear firms, ensuring strong backing for future expansions.
- 2024: Groundbreaking of the first commercial Natrium reactor, aligning with the vision of providing scalable, clean energy into the future.
Current Operations and Market Position
TerraPower is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation as of 2025, with its central focus on the Natrium reactor which aligns with rising demands for carbon-neutral energy solutions. The strategic implementation of sodium-cooled reactors with energy storage positions TerraPower as a leader in transitioning former coal-based plants to nuclear power, as seen in its Wyoming project.
- Market Position: TerraPower is positively perceived in the growing nuclear sector, thanks to robust financial backing and strategic partnerships. The firm is expected to strengthen its impact with the rising global demand for renewable and clean energy.
- Competitive Edge: TerraPower leverages advanced nuclear technology and strong public-private partnerships to outpace competitors in terms of innovation and project implementation.
Conclusion
TerraPower stands as a pioneering force within the advanced nuclear energy sector, driven by its commitment to developing reactors that favor safety, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Following significant achievements and continued progress in the Natrium project, the company is set to redefine the nuclear energy landscape. As of mid-2025, TerraPower's strategic advancements and resilient growth indicate a prominent future trajectory, remaining pivotal in addressing global energy challenges and aiding the transition to a reduced carbon footprint.
References
- ANS News - TerraPower Roundup Progress for Natrium Project
- Stock Analysis - TerraPower and Southern Company Collaboration
- GeekWire - TerraPower’s Data Center Partnerships
- NucNet - US DOE Completes Final Environmental Assessment
- Axios - TerraPower’s Funding and Developments
- Fool.com - TerraPower's Commercial Project Overview
- Wikipedia - TerraPower
- Bloomberg - TerraPower Profile
- Fortune - TerraPower’s Company Profile
- Crunchbase - TerraPower Overview
- PR.com - TerraPower’s Role in Texas Nuclear Alliance