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Nvidia Wants In On The Nuclear Renaissance, Invests In Bill Gates-Backed TerraPower
In a move signaling its commitment to the nuclear renaissance, Nvidia has invested in TerraPower, a nuclear startup founded and backed by none other than Bill Gates. This significant investment marks Nvidia’s first foray into the energy sector.
TerraPower’s innovative approach involves building power plants that use advanced reactor technology to generate electricity while providing reliable baseload power. The startup aims to change the game by offering an affordable, efficient, and sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy demands.
As a key player in the burgeoning nuclear renaissance, TerraPower is focused on developing its Natrium reactor design, which leverages molten sodium as a coolant. This innovative technology will enable the reactors to operate more efficiently than traditional designs, resulting in reduced costs and environmental impact.
In addition to Nvidia’s investment, Bill Gates and HD Hyundai have also contributed to the $650 million funding round. The massive injection of capital will support TerraPower’s mission to build its first commercial power plant, a crucial step toward bringing this groundbreaking technology to the masses.
TerraPower’s journey began with a different reactor design that aimed to be completed by the mid-2020s. However, following uncertainties and setbacks, the startup shifted its focus to the Natrium design, which has garnered significant attention in recent years.
Nvidia’s investment is particularly noteworthy as it marks the company’s foray into the energy sector, a first for the chip designer. This strategic move highlights Nvidia’s commitment to diversifying its investments and exploring new areas that align with its values.
The funding will be used to construct the first commercial power plant, which is currently under construction in Wyoming. While there are still significant site preparation and construction hurdles ahead, TerraPower remains optimistic about achieving its ambitious goal of completing the reactor within three years after pouring the initial batch of concrete.
It’s clear that Nvidia sees tremendous potential in TerraPower’s innovative approach to nuclear energy, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.
Source: techcrunch.com
