Gates-Backed Nuclear Developer Nears Construction on Reactor

TerraPower LLC is planning to begin construction on a next-generation nuclear reactor in Wyoming by the second quarter after completing key regulatory steps six months ahead of schedule.

The company, founded by billionaire Bill Gates, expects the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue a construction permit by February for its 345-megawatt reactor, Chief Executive Officer Chris Levesque said in an interview Tuesday. The agency completed safety reviews for the project Monday and an environmental impact statement in October.