TerraPower’s latest funding round signals growing investor confidence in next-generation nuclear energy solutions.

Bill Gates-backed TerraPower, a nuclear energy startup aiming to revolutionize global power generation, has announced a staggering $650 million funding round to advance the development of its innovative reactor technology. The company, co-founded by the Microsoft billionaire in 2006, is positioning itself as a global leader in safe, sustainable, and scalable nuclear solutions.

The capital injection comes from a mix of public and private sector sources, including strategic energy investors, climate funds, and government partnerships. It is one of the largest funding rounds ever for a nuclear tech company, underscoring a renewed enthusiasm for nuclear energy as a viable solution to the dual crises of climate change and energy security.

TerraPower’s flagship project, the Natrium reactor, blends sodium-cooled fast reactor technology with a molten salt energy storage system. This hybrid approach allows for flexible power output and can complement renewable sources such as solar and wind. The company claims that one Natrium plant could power up to 400,000 homes with zero carbon emissions.

In a statement, Bill Gates praised the milestone as a “critical step toward building a clean energy future.” He added, “Advanced nuclear is one of the safest and most promising paths to net-zero emissions. TerraPower is at the forefront of making that vision a reality.”

The company plans to use the funding to accelerate construction of its first Natrium demonstration plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming—a former coal town now being reimagined as a hub for next-generation energy. The project has gained bipartisan political support in the United States and is viewed by many as a model for just energy transitions.

Beyond Wyoming, TerraPower is expanding its footprint globally, with exploratory talks underway in Europe and Southeast Asia. Experts note that the new funding will allow TerraPower to navigate regulatory pathways, scale production, and build a supply chain capable of supporting its ambitious rollout timeline.

However, challenges remain. Critics point to cost overruns and historical delays in the nuclear industry, while environmental activists urge caution around waste management and long-term sustainability. Still, many analysts argue that TerraPower’s combination of advanced engineering, visionary leadership, and growing political will puts it in a unique position to succeed where others have struggled.

With global energy markets facing volatility and pressure to decarbonize, the role of advanced nuclear has become more central to policy debates. TerraPower’s success could not only validate the promise of fourth-generation nuclear reactors but also shape a new era in how humanity generates power—one that prioritizes resilience, safety, and sustainability.

As the energy world watches closely, one thing is clear: with $650 million in fresh backing, TerraPower is not just imagining the future of energy—it’s building it.