Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership

May 22, 2024

The Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership (SWMP) attended the Wyoming Workforce Development Council meeting held in Evanston, Wyoming. The meeting was attended by key business, and governmental leaders from across the state to discuss strategies for enhancing workforce development in the state. During the meeting, the Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership was highlighted as a significant success story. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the manufacturing sector in southwest Wyoming, has effectively fostered collaboration between local businesses, educational institutions, and workforce agencies. The partnership’s achievements include creating training programs tailored to the needs of manufacturers, thereby addressing skill gaps, and ensuring a steady supply of qualified workers. SWMP’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting workforce development and economic development initiatives that drive economic growth and community resilience in Wyoming.

“TerraPower has commenced the construction of the Sodium Test and Fill Facility (TFF) for its pioneering Natrium ^TM reactor demonstration project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation nuclear energy technology and is the first advanced nuclear project to move from design-to-construction. The Natrium reactor design, a TerraPower and GE-Hitachi technology, features enhanced safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness benefits compared to traditional nuclear reactors. The TFF will play a crucial role in validating the innovative features of the Natrium system, allowing engineers to test critical components of the plant, including the liquid sodium that will be used in the Natrium reactor. 

Kemmerer, as the site for this groundbreaking project, is already experiencing significant economic benefits, including job growth and increased local investment. TerraPower’s initiative underscores the potential of advanced nuclear technology to contribute to a sustainable energy future, positioning Wyoming at the forefront of energy innovation. The construction of the TFF is the first onsite activity for the Natrium project, and construction activities for the entire plant are projected to span 5 years and peak at 1,600 workers. As future construction phases progress, the project will continue to bring more opportunities to southwest Wyoming, showcasing how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to meet the world’s growing energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.”