According to Yomiuri Weekly, a high-tech nuclear reactor is set to emerge in Wyoming, USA. This is a collaborative effort between the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the U.S. government, and a company founded by Bill Gates.
In early January, the parties will officially sign the contract, allowing JAEA and Mitsubishi to provide advanced reactor technology developed by the Japanese.
TerraPower, Bill Gates’ investment firm in nuclear energy, will build a Natrium nuclear technology application plant in Wyoming by 2028. The U.S. government will support half of the funding for the project, estimated at up to $4 billion.
Illustration of a nuclear reactor.
TerraPower had previously planned to build a test nuclear power plant in partnership with the China National Nuclear Corporation to develop a next-generation power facility. However, the administration of former President Donald Trump did not agree to this deal, forcing TerraPower to seek other partners. For a long time, the United States, China, and Russia have all been striving to lead in nuclear technology and export advanced reactors.
In contrast, Japan has not been fortunate with its nuclear projects. One notable example is the advanced experimental reactor known as Monju. This project, costing over $8.5 billion, did not yield the expected results and faced widespread criticism. The Monju nuclear facility has continuously experienced accidents, security breaches, and attempts by authorities to cover up its shortcomings, ultimately leading the project to a dead end.
The new reactor in Wyoming presents an opportunity for Japan to demonstrate its capability in developing nuclear energy technology. However, neither JAEA nor Mitsubishi has made an official statement regarding the new project. After the New Year holiday, we may learn more about this promising intercontinental collaboration.
