TerraPower, Evergy, and Kansas Partner to Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy Deployment
TerraPower, a leading nuclear innovation company, in collaboration with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the potential deployment of TerraPower’s flagship Natrium® reactor and integrated energy storage system within Evergy’s service territory in Kansas. This partnership marks a significant step forward in evaluating advanced nuclear energy solutions to meet the state’s growing energy needs, while supporting economic development and energy innovation.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation among the three entities to assess potential sites for the Natrium reactor and energy storage system. It also sets the stage for detailed studies of the reactor’s technical design, its potential contribution to the local grid, and its ability to support Evergy’s customers with reliable, clean power. Site selection will be guided by multiple factors, including community engagement, physical site characteristics, licensing feasibility with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and proximity to existing infrastructure such as transmission lines and substations.
Governor Laura Kelly emphasized the importance of pursuing a diversified energy strategy for the state. “My administration has always supported an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach when meeting the energy needs of Kansas citizens and businesses,” Governor Kelly said. “We need to explore all available sources to power the future of our great state, and I’m pleased we’re using innovative methods to do just that.” The governor highlighted that supporting advanced nuclear projects aligns with Kansas’ commitment to energy reliability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
Chris Levesque, president and CEO of TerraPower, outlined the innovative aspects of the Natrium technology and its potential impact. “Our Natrium technology features a next-generation reactor with enhanced safety and efficiency, paired with utility-scale storage to ensure grid resilience,” Levesque said. “The TerraPower team is excited to advance conversations with Evergy, state leaders, and local communities on the opportunities that the Natrium reactor and energy storage system brings to Kansas.” He added that Natrium represents a new approach to nuclear energy, combining fast reactor technology with molten salt-based energy storage to provide a flexible, reliable power source capable of meeting fluctuating energy demand.
Evergy’s chairman and CEO, David Campbell, noted the company’s long history with nuclear power and its commitment to exploring advanced options. “Nuclear energy has been part of Evergy’s generation mix for decades, and this next step will allow us to explore the opportunity to add reliable, non-carbon emitting advanced nuclear energy in the state of Kansas,” Campbell said. “This agreement supports our all-of-the-above energy strategy and will allow us to evaluate the cost, technology, and feasibility of potentially deploying Natrium advanced nuclear plants.” Campbell emphasized that integrating Natrium technology could complement Evergy’s existing energy portfolio while helping to meet future demand for clean, dependable electricity.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also praised the initiative, citing the broader economic and strategic benefits of nuclear energy. “Expanding the use of nuclear energy strengthens U.S. energy independence while bringing down electricity costs for Kansas ratepayers,” Moran said. “TerraPower’s decision to collaborate with Evergy and invest in our state is a testament to the skill, opportunity, and capabilities found in Kansas. This partnership will help to advance energy innovation, bolster the Kansas workforce, and make certain our state remains a place where business and talent can thrive.”
Senator Roger Marshall echoed these remarks, highlighting nuclear energy’s potential to provide safe and abundant power. “Nuclear energy is the way of the future,” Marshall said. “Nuclear produces reliable, clean power—and a lot of it. I’m excited about the prospect of welcoming TerraPower’s Natrium reactor to Kansas and look forward to helping bring this project to fruition so that Kansans can have safe, reliable, and affordable energy.”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland framed the project as an economic opportunity for the state. “In order to continue our state’s phenomenal surge in economic activity that benefits Kansas residents and communities, we need to consider all innovative options that strengthen our competitive position while driving down costs for consumers,” Toland said. “This project could do both.”
The Natrium system itself represents a major technological advancement in nuclear power. The reactor produces 345 megawatts of electricity through a sodium-cooled fast reactor design, coupled with a molten salt-based energy storage system. This storage component enables the plant to temporarily boost output to 500 MW during periods of peak demand, providing a unique combination of steady baseline output and rapid ramping capabilities. As the only advanced reactor design with this capability, Natrium promises to enhance grid reliability and flexibility in ways that conventional nuclear plants cannot.
TerraPower’s Natrium technology has already broken new ground with its first commercial project in Wyoming, which began construction in 2024. That project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of integrating advanced nuclear reactors with large-scale energy storage, paving the way for similar deployments in other states. The Kansas project, if realized, would mark a key expansion of TerraPower’s efforts to commercialize next-generation nuclear energy solutions across the United States.
In addition to providing clean, reliable power, the potential Natrium deployment in Kansas could generate substantial economic benefits, including new jobs in construction, operations, and the broader supply chain. It also aligns with national priorities for energy security, emissions reduction, and technological leadership in advanced nuclear power. By collaborating with Evergy and state officials, TerraPower aims to ensure that the project meets both technical and community standards, creating a model for future advanced nuclear deployments nationwide.
As discussions move forward, the three partners will continue detailed evaluations of potential sites, technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and community engagement strategies. While the project is still in its early stages, the memorandum of understanding reflects a shared commitment to exploring innovative energy solutions that support economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy reliability in Kansas.
With the Natrium reactor, Kansas has the opportunity to be at the forefront of a new era in nuclear energy—one that combines cutting-edge technology, grid-scale storage, and a commitment to clean, affordable power for residents and businesses. As TerraPower, Evergy, and the Kansas Department of Commerce advance this initiative, the state could emerge as a leader in next-generation nuclear deployment in the United States.
