Construction of the First Nuclear Power Plant in Wyoming to Start in 2025

TerraPower, in collaboration with GE Hitachi, has started construction on Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Western Wyoming, and development will continue through 2029. If everything stays on schedule, the first nuclear power plant in Wyoming will be operational by 2030.

“Wyoming is already known as a major energy producer in the United States,” says Brett Kahler, Executive Director of the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA). “The investment in nuclear energy builds on an already strong industry and reflects an investment in the future economy.”

Learn more about the economic impact of this particular power station and what it means for Wyoming as a whole. 

Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 Brings Jobs and Tax Revenue to Lincoln County 

Residents of Kemmerrer, Lincoln County, and surrounding areas can use the nuclear power plant's development to grow their careers. TerraPower estimates that it will need 1,600 construction workers to complete the project, with many building phases lasting multiple years. Once construction is complete, TerraPower will need to fill 250 permanent jobs to support the power plant operations.

TerraPower is also confident that this project will create indirect jobs within nearby communities. Construction teams and permanent workers will need housing, support for their kids, and opportunities to recreate on the weekends. This project can boost the local economics of Lincoln, Uinta, and Sweetwater counties and help people discover the beauty of Western Wyoming.

TerraPower estimates that this project will also bring in $25 million in local taxes to Lincoln County and will contribute to property taxes in the region as long as the nuclear power plant is operational.  

TerraPower is Establishing Wyoming’s Energy Future

Wyoming is the third-biggest net energy supplier in the United States. It produces 12 times more energy than it consumes and is the second-most energy-intensive state economy. Wyoming has always been a leader in fuel development and the construction of Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 reflects this specialization.

The TerraPower plant will be Wyoming's first investment in nuclear energy. This will complement the coal, oil, and renewable energy industries that are already well-established. Wyoming has been the top coal-producing state since 1988 and is responsible for 40% of coal mined in the United States as of 2023. It is also the eighth-largest crude oil-producing state in the nation.  

“Nuclear power doesn’t take away from other aspects of Wyoming’s energy sector,” says Kahler. “Instead, it allows the state of Wyoming to build on its reputation as a leading energy producer while diversifying its economic portfolio.” 

The TerraPower Nuclear Plant Supports PacifiCorp Customers

The energy produced by Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 will be exported to PacifiCorp, which serves customers in Washington, Oregon, and California. The project is part of PacifiCorp’s net-zero emissions strategy for 2050. This project could potentially expand in the future and other utility companies could invest in nuclear energy within Wyoming.

“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 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.”

This could be the start of a strong new industry for Wyoming, creating jobs that support residents for the next century and beyond.  

Join WEDA to Support Wyoming’s Energy Future   

Energy is an essential industry in Wyoming’s past, present, and future. WEDA is protecting the current energy economy while preparing for nuclear investment in the 21st Century. Your community, utility, and economic development agency can join WEDA to act as a larger voice advocating for Wyoming’s energy future. WEDA is built on a strong foundation of education, networking, and lobbying, so we are all stronger together.

Become a member today and reap the benefits of working alongside other economic development leaders in Wyoming.