Future-Proofing Energy: Wyoming’s Nuclear Safety Advancements

In our push to meet skyrocketing energy demand, one thing is clear: Wyoming must diversify and build faster. One solution that’s rapidly moving from concept to reality is nuclear energy, and Wyoming is at the forefront of making it safer and more viable than ever.

Earthquake-Proofing Nuclear Reactors

As Wyoming prepares to host TerraPower’s advanced Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, a University of Wyoming researcher is tackling a critical challenge: earthquake safety.

Dr. Ankit Saxena is developing groundbreaking seismic protection technology that could transform how we build and protect nuclear reactors. His team is designing embedded particle dampers, essentially “seismic sponges” that surround reactors, absorbing and dispersing earthquake energy before it can damage the facility. Additionally, this innovation could be retrofitted to existing plants, offering a scalable, energy-agnostic solution to seismic risks across the globe.

Microreactors

Saxena’s research focuses on small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors (compact nuclear technologies) that are a perfect fit for Wyoming’s remote sites and industrial needs. Unlike massive nuclear plants, these microreactors are the size of a shipping container, making them ideal for the innovative seismic protection systems being developed at UW.

With companies like Radiant planning to deploy microreactors in Wyoming, these technologies offer a path to reliable, zero-emissions power that’s deployable even in earthquake-prone regions.

WY It Matters

Nuclear isn’t a futuristic fantasy; it’s an immediate opportunity for Wyoming to:

• Provide reliable, dispatchable power to stabilize the grid

• Attract high-tech industries and data centers

• Position itself as a national leader in safe, innovative nuclear technology

But to get there, we need to streamline permitting, invest in infrastructure, and back the researchers and businesses leading this charge.