Construction has officially begun on a next-generation nuclear energy project in Wyoming, marking a major step forward for advanced reactor deployment in the United States.
Bechtel and TerraPower have started field execution work at the Natrium Kemmerer Unit 1 (KU1) site, with Bechtel serving as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner on the project.
The milestone signals a transition from early site preparation to active construction on what is considered a first-of-its-kind advanced nuclear facility.
Bechtel teams have begun mobilizing at the Kemmerer site in Wyoming after completing early works, including development of a test and fill facility and a training center designed to support long-term operations.
The Natrium project is notable as the first utility-scale advanced reactor in the United States to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a key regulatory milestone that underscores growing federal support for next-generation nuclear technologies.
“Today’s start of construction at TerraPower’s Natrium Kemmerer Unit 1 marks an important step forward — not only for the project, but for the future of advanced nuclear delivery in the United States,” said Dena Volovar, president of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental business.
Volovar emphasized that the project represents more than a single build, pointing to its role in establishing scalable delivery models for future nuclear facilities.
“At Bechtel, our focus is on helping bring advanced nuclear technologies from first-of-a-kind innovation to repeatable, scalable delivery,” she said.
The Natrium reactor is being positioned as part of a broader strategy to meet rising U.S. electricity demand, particularly as energy consumption grows from data centers and digital infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence.
“As U.S. electricity demand continues to rise, including from data centers powering AI and other digital infrastructure, the industry needs more than innovation,” Volovar said. “It needs proven execution models that reduce risk, improve predictability, and allow projects to be delivered consistently, safely, and at scale.”
Bechtel said its approach focuses on standardized construction methods, digital execution tools and integrated planning to improve efficiency and enable repeatable project delivery.
“With construction now underway at Kemmerer Unit 1, we are moving into field execution with a high level of readiness, supported by integrated planning, early collaboration, and close alignment with regulators,” Volovar added.
The company noted that its experience in nuclear construction includes more than 70 years in the sector, with involvement in over 150 nuclear plants worldwide and 76 gigawatts of delivered nuclear power capacity.
The Natrium project also builds on Bechtel’s recent work bringing Vogtle Units 3 and 4 online, making it the only EPC contractor to deliver new nuclear plants in the United States in the 21st century.
Industry observers view the project as a critical test case for advanced nuclear deployment, with the potential to establish a blueprint for future reactor construction as the U.S. seeks to expand reliable, low-carbon energy sources.
Originally reported by Amanda Meixel in Bechtel.
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