Founded in 2008 by billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, TerraPower is opening a new nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The plant is the first of its kind and the company hopes to revolutionize the U.S. nuclear industry, help fight climate change and help the U.S. become energy independent.
“Nuclear energy, if done right, could help solve climate change goals,” Gates told ABC News. and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.”
Gates met with Rebecca Jarvis, ABC News’ chief business, economics and technology reporter in Kemmerer to discuss the project.
“Nuclear has incredible benefits,” says Gates. “It’s not dependent on the weather. You can make plants, but the amount of energy that comes from a very small plant is enormous.”
Nuclear energy is well known for its many potential, but the safety risks associated with it have historically worried some investors. However, Gates said he is confident TerraPower will be able to build innovative nuclear reactors that are safe and practical in the future.
Most U.S. nuclear reactors use water to cool their systems, but water is not optimal for absorbing heat and carries pressure risks associated with overheating, which can ultimately lead to meltdowns. The new reactor, which is due to come online in 2030, will use liquid sodium instead of water to cool it. The boiling point of sodium is eight times that of water, and unlike water, liquid sodium does not need to be continuously pumped into the system.
“We’ve solved all areas where we had safety issues, and we’ve dramatically reduced waste,” Gates said. “The great thing is that US regulators are the best in the world and they’re doing a very good job. So part of the process from now until 2030 is about how far this design is going. A very detailed review with that safety committee.It’s safer than it’s ever been.”
The new plant, which has been in operation for 15 years, faced delays at the end of 2022 after the loss of special Russian-made fuel sources as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But Gates insisted these problems were temporary.
“Many uranium mines and processing plants have closed because people expected Russia to remain as a supplier. We need to build it domestically,” Gates said. “But we have uranium in the country. We have the ability to process it domestically… In the long run, we have uranium reserves here, so with the efficiency of the reactors, this is a completely domestic supply chain. to be able to hold something.”
Kemmerer used to have a booming coal industry, but in recent years it has been in decline and the coal mill that has been in operation for about 60 years is slated to close. Gates emphasized the importance of reintegrating America’s old energy industry into the future energy industry as a way to revitalize communities. TerraPower said in a recent press release that the nuclear plant will employ hundreds of construction workers and former coal-fired employees to power hundreds of thousands of homes where skills overlap. said it was planned.
artificial intelligence gate
Gates also spoke with ABC News about his views on AI and what it means for the future of the world. He sees the technology as game-changing, saying, “It’s pretty basic.”
“We are often amazed at how good it is.
He said AI has huge potential to shock waves across industries and change the way we think about things.
“It’s going to be great in health and education if it’s used properly,” Gates said. , I’m sure there’s a way to get great feedback this way, and I’m excited.”
Gates also told ABC News how impressed he was with OpenAI’s ChatGPT software and its leap forward last year.
Gates said he also had AI safety risks in mind, voicing concern about the rapid advancement of technology and the ramifications of using it maliciously.
“I’m afraid the bad guys will grab it,” Gates said, adding, “If you only suspend the good guys and not the others, you’re probably hurting yourself.
Gates said he still doesn’t believe government regulators are savvy about the technology and ready to make big decisions, but the pros of AI outweigh the cons, and there’s a lot more to say about AI. I am confident that the discussion is heading in the right direction.
“This area is really more about putting more smart people into the next area than in any area I know of and making sure it’s beneficial,” Gates said. Told. “We have found that AI, when used properly, offers many advantages.
