NRC Approves TerraPower's Natrium Plant, Boosting U.S. Energy Security

March 5, 2026 March 5, 2026

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

NRC grants permit for TerraPower's Natrium plant in Wyoming.

Project is under a Labor Agreement with Bechtel Corporation.

Focus on safety, quality, and skilled workforce strengthens energy security.

Groundbreaking NRC Approval Sets a New Course for U.S. Energy Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 5, 2026 – In a significant development for the energy sector, Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), commented on the recent decision:

“The historic NRC decision to grant a construction permit for TerraPower’s Natrium plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, is a massive win for our nation’s energy security and its working people. TerraPower has engaged tirelessly with the committed and thorough staff at the NRC to prioritize safety and efficiency while creating middle‑class, family‑sustaining careers. Our members who built this nation’s nuclear infrastructure decades ago are eager to get to work constructing the next generation of this baseload energy source using advanced nuclear technology, and we are proud to do so with partners like TerraPower.”

McGarvey further emphasized the importance of this event as a pivotal step for the nation's energy ambitions and the skilled workforce behind it. Securing a construction permit for advanced nuclear reactor development signifies a considerable achievement. The use of a Project Labor Agreement involving key industry players like Bechtel Corporation demonstrates the potential of innovative partnerships paired with highly skilled tradesmen who prioritize safety, excellence, and long-term dependability. This development promises not only to bolster the country's energy security but also to ensure the timely and budget-conscious delivery of the project.