Billionaire Bill Gates' Terrapower to Build Innovative Reactor on Site of Former Power Plant in Düsseldorf
In a bold move towards revolutionizing nuclear power, billionaire Bill Gates' startup Terrapower has announced plans to build a cutting-edge reactor on the site of a former coal-fired power plant in Düsseldorf. The construction of Terrapower's first commercial facility in the state of Wyoming, USA, signals a significant milestone in the company's journey to develop simpler and more cost-effective reactors. Gates, the sixth richest person in the world, revealed in a recent interview on CBS that he has already invested billions into the ambitious project, with plans for further financial support. The reactor's innovative design utilizes liquid sodium as a coolant and incorporates molten salt to enhance performance and heat storage capabilities. Terrapower aims to secure reactor fuel from the US and its allies, marking a strategic shift away from dependence on Russian fuel sources. Recognizing the urgent need to transition away from coal and compete with natural gas, Gates emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear energy in combating climate change. The global momentum towards nuclear power was underscored by 25 nations at the COP28 climate conference, who pledged to triple their nuclear capacity in the coming years. As nuclear energy gains traction as a sustainable solution, countries like France are spearheading alliances to advance nuclear technology, positioning it as a crucial element in the fight against climate change.
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