The nuclear power plant, called Natrium, was designed by the TerraPower company, which Gates founded in 2008. In a recent blog post, Gates stated that the Natrium plant, which is expected to be operational by around 2030, will be “the most advanced nuclear facility in the world” with more safety measures and significantly less waste than conventional reactors.
Disaster simulations performed with supercomputers
One of the key aspects of the project is that it will create employment for the local people. Gates said the new plant will create jobs for 200 to 250 people. The coal-fired power plant, which has been operating in the region for more than 50 years, is planned to be closed. Workers at the Naughton Power Plant in question will be able to work at the new facility without the need for long-term retraining.
Bill Gates also praised TerraPower’s digital design process. He stated that the company has digitally tested the Natrium design countless times through supercomputers, simulating every conceivable disaster. This innovative approach makes a significant contribution to the preparation of the designed power plant for real-world applications.