Nvidia Invests in TerraPower, a Bill Gates-Backed Nuclear Startup

Nvidia's venture arm, NVentures, has invested in TerraPower, a nuclear startup founded by Bill Gates, to help build its first commercial power plant. The investment is part of a $650 million funding round, which also includes investments from Bill Gates and HD Hyundai. The Natrium reactor design uses molten sodium for cooling and can continue operating at a steady state, allowing for a smoother transition between low and high demand periods. The first reactor is expected to generate 345 megawatts of electricity and complete construction within three years.

Nvidia's venture arm, NVentures, has participated in a $650 million funding round for TerraPower, a nuclear startup co-founded by Bill Gates. The investment, announced on June 20, 2025, will support TerraPower's efforts to build its first commercial power plant, the Natrium reactor [1].

The Natrium reactor, designed by TerraPower, is a sodium-cooled fast reactor that can generate 345 megawatts of electricity. Unlike traditional reactors that use water as a coolant, the Natrium design employs liquid sodium, which allows the reactor to operate at lower pressures and higher temperatures. This innovation enhances efficiency and simplifies construction while improving safety [2].

TerraPower's Natrium reactor is designed to operate at a steady state, capable of storing excess heat in molten salt. This stored heat can then be released on demand to generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity for several hours. This flexibility enables the reactor to meet peak demand periods and complement renewable energy sources such as solar and wind [2].

The first Natrium reactor is expected to be built in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on the site of a retiring coal plant. TerraPower has submitted its formal permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and aims to have the plant operational by 2030 [2]. The company has also partnered with Sabey Data Centers to explore integrating Natrium reactors directly with new data center builds, providing secure, carbon-free power where it's needed most [2].

TerraPower's Natrium reactor represents a significant advancement in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. SMRs are gaining traction as a solution to decarbonize power systems and meet the growing demand for consistent, clean energy. The Natrium design's innovative features, including its thermal energy storage system and flexible operation, make it a promising candidate for future clean energy projects [2].

The investment from NVentures, along with contributions from Bill Gates and HD Hyundai, brings TerraPower's total private financing to over $1.4 billion. With an additional $2 billion in federal support from the U.S. Department of Energy, TerraPower now has over $3.4 billion to accelerate the design and construction of its first Natrium reactor [1].

TerraPower's success in developing and deploying the Natrium reactor could lead to a new generation of nuclear plants that are smaller, safer, and easier to build. The project is a top example of SMR use in the U.S. and may serve as a model for future clean energy growth [2].

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/20/nvidia-wants-in-on-the-nuclear-renaissance-invests-in-bill-gates-backed-terrapower/
[2] https://carboncredits.com/nvidia-invests-in-bill-gates-terrapower-which-closes-650m-for-natrium-nuclear-reactor/