Support Village Voice News With a Donation of Your Choice.
BILL GATES founded TERRAPOWER in WYOMING, USA
Bill Gates has invested $1 billion into a nuclear power plant that broke ground in Kemmerer, Wyo., this week. The new facility, designed by the Gates-founded TerraPower, will be smaller than traditional fission nuclear power plants and, in theory, safer because it will use sodium instead of water to cool the reactor’s core.
The Plant
The NatriumTM reactor and energy storage system redefines what nuclear technology can be: emissions-free, competitive, and flexible. Built for the 21st century grid, TerraPower’s Natrium technology is one of the fastest and lowest-cost paths to advanced, zero-carbon energy.
TerraPower Begins Construction on Advanced Nuclear Project in Wyoming
The beginning of construction activities on the NatriumTM demonstration project site marks the first advanced nuclear reactor project under construction in the Western Hemisphere.
BELLEVUE, Washington – June 10, 2024 – TerraPower, a leading nuclear innovation company, today celebrated the start of construction on the Natrium reactor1 demonstration project. This marks the first advanced reactor project to move from design into construction.
“This groundbreaking represents the beginning of the next era of nuclear energy. The Natrium reactor is more than a design, it is a plant coming to life that will support both the clean energy transition and our historic energy communities,” said Chris Levesque, TerraPower President and CEO. “Our innovative Natrium technology will provide dispatchable carbon-free energy, gigawatt-scale energy storage, and long-term jobs to the Lincoln County community.”
“Today we celebrate a TRIFECTA. This first-of-its-kind project is good for the community of Kemmerer- Diamondville, the State of Wyoming, and our nation. As Natrium moves boldly toward establishing a new domestic energy source, it offers the promise of hundreds of jobs, enhanced careers, and renewed vitality,” said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. “This project also demonstrates how good things can happen when the private and public sectors work together to solve problems. Advances made here will bolster Wyoming’s ability to produce another source of dispatchable power securely. In Wyoming we know energy — and we will continue to provide it to help keep our nation competitive and safe.”
“Innovative technologies like the Natrium project will enhance our ability to serve our customers, meet growing demand and ensure a reliable and resilient energy future.”
Approximately 1,600 workers will be needed for construction at the project’s peak. Construction is set to span five years. Once the plant is operational, the company estimates that 250 people will support day-to-day activities, including plant security.
Upon completion, the Natrium demonstration plant will be a fully functioning commercial power plant. It is being constructed near a retiring coal-fired power plant and is the only coal-to-nuclear project under development in the world.
A TerraPower and GE-Hitachi technology
TerraPower Chairman and Founder, Bill Gates, said “I’m proud of all the partners and people who helped get the most advanced nuclear project in the world built in Kemmerer, Wyoming. I believe that TerraPower’s next-generation nuclear energy will power the future of our nation—and the world.”
This is a challenging yet exciting time in the energy industry. In an era of rapid change, the need for reliable, affordable, and dispatchable energy will remain a constant,” said Cindy Crane, CEO of PacifiCorp.
The project features a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. The storage technology can boost the system’s output to 500 MW of power when needed, which is equivalent to the energy required to power around 400,000 homes. The energy storage capability allows the plant to integrate seamlessly with renewable resources and is the only advanced reactor design with this unique feature.
Earlier this year, TerraPower submitted its construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Natrium reactor. TerraPower is the first to submit its construction permit application for a commercial advanced reactor to the NRC. Due to its unique design, non-nuclear construction is beginning, while nuclear construction will begin after this application is approved.
Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a public- private partnership, this Natrium reactor demonstration project is intended to validate the design, construction, and operational features of the Natrium technology.
About TerraPower
TerraPower is a leading nuclear innovation company that strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science. Since it was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries, TerraPower has emerged as an incubator and developer of ideas and technologies that offer energy independence, environmental sustainability, medical advancement, and other cutting-edge opportunities. It accepts and tackles some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Behind each of its innovations and programs, TerraPower actively works to bring together the strengths and experiences of the world’s public and private sectors to answer pressing global questions.
TERRAPOWER’S NATRIUM PROJECT AND THE ARDP PARTNERSHIP
TerraPower is building its first plant through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).
This program authorizes a 50/50 cost share and authorizes up to $2 billion for the Natrium project. TerraPower and its partners will match this investment dollar for dollar. The first-of-a-kind cost for the Natrium demonstration plant will include the reactor design and licensing, codes and methods development, fuel development and qualification, and the design, construction, and operation of two supporting facilities: the Natrium Fuel Fabrication Facility and Sodium Test and Fill Facility. The sodium facility will be used to test and demonstrate the performance of first-of-a-kind equipment prior to operations in the reactor plant. TERRAPOWER’S NATRIUM PROJECT AND THE ARDP PARTNERSHIP
TerraPower is building its first plant through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).
This program authorizes a 50/50 cost share and authorizes up to $2 billion for the Natrium project. TerraPower and its partners will match this investment dollar for dollar. The first-of-a-kind cost for the Natrium demonstration plant will include the reactor design and licensing, codes and methods development, fuel development and qualification, and the design, construction, and operation of two supporting facilities: the Natrium Fuel Fabrication Facility and Sodium Test and Fill Facility. The sodium facility will be used to test and demonstrate the performance of first-of-a-kind equipment prior to operations in the reactor plant.
Bill Gates on his nuclear energy investment, AI’s challenges: NPR
AUTOGYRO AIRCRAFT for ENVIRONMENT, POLICING, and SECURITY.
June 16, 2024: Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) recorded 62 environmental violations using its autogyro aircraft in May.
The violations include disposing of waste at undesignated places, releasing animals defying grazing bans, leaving remains of camping gear, abandoning portacabins and breaching rules regulating livestock farms.
A majority of the violations were recorded by the Land Protection Department, two violations by the Marine Protection Department and a similar number by the Wildlife Development Department.
The aircraft did 13.20 hours of environmental monitoring in the first month of its operation. It conducted 10 flight trips in the northern part of the country.
The Ministry urged picnickers to explore Qatar’s stunning islands responsibly and adhere to environmental instructions and guidelines to help protect the amazing biodiversity of these islands. Your cooperation ensures these natural wonders can be enjoyed by all.
The primary goal of mobilizing autogyro aircraft is environmental monitoring using advanced technologies and contributing to research, exploration, and development of wildlife.
The initiative also aims at providing accurate information and data about the marine and terrestrial environment and monitoring marine and coastal areas of the country to support rapid intervention in case of pollution cases.
It also helps observers and inspectors follow the finer details of the terrestrial and marine environment and supports scientific research and monitoring of land and marine life and plants. The approximate time for a trip is between one and two hours. Operations take place during the evening, which is the appropriate time for flying. Modern aircraft technology contributes to rapid communication between the aircraft pilot and the environmental operations management.
The aircraft provides safe flights and there were no difficulties during take-off and landing operations. Advanced cameras photograph wildlife and marine life and promote the protection of biodiversity, the study of vegetation and the monitoring of the work of crushers.
It has the ability of early detection of fires in wild areas, by searching for any smoke columns or abnormal temperature points, in addition to raising awareness and education through the use of photos and videos that are captured during the flight.
All necessary capabilities are harnessed to achieve this goal, in order to achieve environmental sustainability in all parts of the country. The aircraft and the modern technology it possesses will play a major role in supporting the efforts of various agencies to enrich the elements of the local environment and preserve the country’s vegetation, in addition to enabling observers to reach remote areas.
It possesses advanced technologies such as remote sensing and high-resolution cameras, in addition to having an advanced wireless communications system, which makes it communicate directly with the various agencies on the ground.
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/16/06/2024/moeccs-autogyro-aircraft-records-62-violations
UAE considers second nuclear power plant.
ABU DHABI: July 17, 2024: The United Arab Emirates is considering building a second nuclear power plant to meet growing demand for electricity in the oil-rich Gulf state, a government official told Reuters. The country of some 10 million people has become a proponent of nuclear power, a low-carbon energy source, as it seeks to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. Its first plant started commercial operations in 2021.
Sources told Reuters in April the UAE planned a second nuclear power plant and that it could seek bids to build a four-reactor facility within a few months. Any new power plant would likely consist of two or four reactors, said Alkaabi, who is the UAE’s Ambassador to Austria and the Permanent Representative to the UN’s nuclear agency.
The size of a new power plant would depend on the build and technology, he said, adding that South Korea, which built the existing plant, would not be treated as a favored bidder for any tender. “It’s a policy decision to give opportunity for all potential bidders,” he said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. Alkaabi also serves as the deputy chairman of the board of management of the UAE nuclear regulator known as FANR.
Removing enrichment from nuclear programs decreases the potential for weapons development. The UAE sits across the Gulf from Iran, which the US accuses of trying to develop weapons with its nuclear program, while Tehran says it needs atomic power. The UAE also neighbors Saudi Arabia, which is in talks with the United States over ambitions to develop its own civil nuclear power industry. – Reuters
UAE considers second nuclear power plant | kuwaittimes
On July 21, 2024, Dr. Shamir’s HIGH WASHINGTON BACK CHANNEL said “ Suriname’s contract HAS NOT BEEN FINALIZED, it is also with a different consortium. Total/APA versus Guyana Exxon/Hess possibly Chevron.” And “There is no contract in Suriname yet. Probably will not be until next year at soonest they are hoping for FIRST ACTIVE OFFSHORE WELL in 2027. Staatsoli has onshore wells for domestic use.”
SO ABOVE on SURINAME OIL CONTRACT, widely Circulated is FAKE.
Back in the 1980s during nuclear treaty negotiations, President Ronald Reagan said, “TRUST, but VERIFY” to describe how the U.S. would proceed.
Onward & Upward towards, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
