Cheyenne, WY Emerges as a Contender for Advanced Nuclear Power

Wyoming’s reputation as an energy leader may soon expand into the next generation of power production.

A newly announced agreement between TerraPower and Meta to develop up to eight advanced nuclear reactors across the United States has put Cheyenne in position to potentially host a dual-unit Natrium nuclear power plant, according to TerraPower executives. If realized, it would mark another major milestone in Wyoming’s growing role at the intersection of energy, technology, and innovation.

With construction already well underway on Meta’s massive Project Cosmo data center in south Cheyenne, the capital city is emerging as a natural candidate for advanced, reliable baseload power to support rapidly growing energy demand.

The TerraPower–Meta agreement is unprecedented in the advanced nuclear space. Under the deal:

• Meta will fund development of up to eight Natrium reactors

• The reactors could deliver 2.8 gigawatts of carbon-free baseload power

• Built-in energy storage could increase total output to 4 gigawatts

• The first dual-unit facility could be operational as early as 2032

• Additional units could come online by 2035

Each Natrium reactor produces 345 megawatts of baseload power, with the ability to ramp up to 500 megawatts for more than five hours. A dual-unit plant — the type being considered for Cheyenne — could deliver 690 megawatts of firm power and up to 1 gigawatt of dispatchable electricity.

WY It Matters

The potential for advanced nuclear development in Cheyenne represents more than just a new power source, it signals long-term economic opportunity:

• High-paying, skilled jobs in construction, operations, engineering, and maintenance

• Strengthening Wyoming’s position as a national leader in energy innovation

• Supporting growth in technology, AI, and data infrastructure without burdening residents

• Leveraging Wyoming’s existing uranium mining and fuel development industry

• Creating opportunities that help keep Wyoming’s workforce, and its next generation

Your Wyoming Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen stated, “This is progress for Wyoming. Nuclear development aligns with the state’s broader goals of economic diversification and workforce retention. We’re always looking for ways to keep our kids here and give them a good standard of living. This is exactly the kind of project that does that.”