Wyoming’s First Nuclear Power Plant in Kemmerer Will Bring 250 Permanent Jobs to the Region

Throughout July, TerraPower hosted open houses where the public learned about its plans to build a Natrium™ nuclear power plant in the region. Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 will be located just south of Diamondville, about 45 minutes from Evanston. In the short run, this project will bring 1,600 construction jobs to the region. Once the plant is operational, it will support 250 direct jobs and contribute to indirect job growth.

“This is an opportunity for the residents of Evanston and Uinta County as a whole,” says Rocco O'Neill, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Evanston. “Not only will this create immediate job openings, but it can position the region as a leader in the energy sector for future growth.”

If you were unable to attend one of the open houses, keep reading so you can learn more about this project.

Construction Begins in 2025 to be Operational By 2030

One of the first things the TerraPower team reviewed was the timeline to start work and get the plant running. Here is their proposed timeline:

• March 2024: TerraPower submitted the construction permit application.
• Q3 2024: TerraPower will submit the industrial siting permit application.
• Q2 2025: TerraPower expects to break ground.
• Q4 2029: Construction should be complete.
• Q3 2030: Fuel load starts.

“People tend to think construction jobs are temporary, but some of the positions TerraPower needs to hire for will last for years,” says O'Neill. “This construction project could be an opportunity for people to grow their skills and launch their careers.”

Construction teams will work on the earthworks, foundation, steel and building erection, mechanics, and electrical installation aspects of the job. There are opportunities for construction companies and workers with a variety of skill sets.

The Project Contributes $25 Million in Local Sales and Use Taxes

Even though Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 isn’t located within Uinta County, this project will benefit the region. Many of the job openings will be filled by Evanston residents or bring new workers to Uinta County. Job openings in the area will increase income levels and spending in Southwest Wyoming.

“Someone who works as an engineer during the week can spend their weekends enjoying the restaurants, stores, and events within Evanston,” says O'Neill. “This creates indirect jobs because of the increase of money getting poured into the community.”

TerraPower estimates that this power plant will contribute $25 million to local taxes while also contributing to long-term property taxes (in Lincoln County). 

Residents Can Embrace Nuclear Energy as the Future

The Natrium™ nuclear power plant will provide baseload power to PacifiCorp, which services parts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This is part of the company’s long-term plan to drastically cut emissions by 2032 and eventually reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The advanced nuclear resources that appear in the plan represent a promising future for our employees and communities in rural Utah and Wyoming,” says Rick Link, senior vice president of resource planning, procurement, and optimization at PacifiCorp. “As we transition to a net-zero energy future, it is important to leverage the experience, skills, and dedication of the communities that have supplied our energy needs for the past century.” 

Wyoming is already known as an energy state. It produces 12 times more energy than it consumes and is the third-biggest net energy supplier in the country. This investment in nuclear energy can protect Wyoming’s energy industry while preparing it for a successful future.

There are currently 54 operating nuclear power plants and 94 operating nuclear reactors in the United States. These are located across 28 states, most of which are in the Eastern part of the country. Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 will be the first nuclear power plant in Wyoming and one of the first ones built in the West.

Learn More About The TerraPower Nuclear Plant

Anyone who has questions or concerns about Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 can contact Lisa Matis at lisa.matis@tetratech.com. You can also reach out to the team at BusinessWyoming.com. Your economic development representatives are happy to discuss the project and how it can support growth in the area. This TerraPower Natrium™ nuclear power plant represents a clean energy future for Evanston.