Nuclear in the West: Fission Foundations & Insights from Eric Williams

Nuclear power provides nearly 50% of the carbon-free electricity in the United States and is positioned to expand significantly in the coming years. This presentation traces the evolution of reactor technologies—from traditional light water reactors to the emerging landscape of advanced designs like Molten Salt and Sodium Fast Reactors. We will discuss the vital role of HALEU fuel in enabling smaller, more efficient designs and conclude with a deep dive into the nuclear fuel cycle, highlighting the 'huge opportunity' for commercial recycling to reduce disposal impacts and improve fuel utilization. We will then hear from TerraPower's COO, Eric Williams, on the Fission landscape in Wyoming, and how it could apply to Colorado.