18. June 2025
Gates-Backed Nuclear Startup Terrapower Secures Massive 650 Million Investment
TerraPower, a startup founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has raised $650 million in funding from investors, including Nvidia’s venture arm, HD Hyundai, and other prominent backers. This latest investment brings the total amount of funding secured by TerraPower to $1.4 billion, making it one of the most well-funded startups working on nuclear-related technologies.
TerraPower was established in 2006 with the goal of developing innovative nuclear reactor designs that can provide clean, carbon-free energy while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s flagship project is a 345-watt nuclear power plant currently under construction at a site in Kemmerer, Wyoming, which is expected to replace a retiring coal plant once operational.
The latest funding round is significant not only because of the substantial amount raised but also because it comes at a time when venture funding for clean tech startups has been sluggish. According to Crunchbase data, venture funding for cleantech projects declined by 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year, suggesting that investors are still cautious about committing resources to new energy sources.
However, with the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, nuclear energy is emerging as a vital component of the energy mix. As AI continues to transform industries and drive technological advancements, there is growing recognition that nuclear energy can provide a reliable, carbon-free source of electricity that can support the high-power requirements of AI applications.
“TerraPower’s nuclear reactor technologies offer innovative, carbon-free solutions to meet global energy needs while minimizing environmental impact,” said Mohamed “Sid” Siddeek, corporate vice president at NVentures, Nvidia’s venture arm. “As AI continues to transform industries, nuclear energy is going to become a more vital energy source to help power these capabilities.”
TerraPower’s approach to nuclear energy focuses on developing advanced reactor designs that can provide high-power outputs while minimizing waste production and environmental impact. The company’s flagship reactor design, the Vortex Reactor, is a compact, modular design that can be easily transported and deployed at existing or new sites.
The Kemmerer project will feature a 345-watt nuclear power plant that will provide enough electricity to power approximately 100 homes. The plant’s waste production is expected to be significantly lower than traditional nuclear power plants, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious investors and policymakers.
While the funding raised by TerraPower is significant, it also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the nuclear energy sector. Regulatory approval processes can be lengthy and complex, and public perceptions of nuclear energy remain a challenge in many parts of the world.
Despite these challenges, TerraPower remains optimistic about its prospects for success. The company’s founder, Bill Gates, has stated publicly that he believes nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in the global energy mix as countries seek to reduce their carbon emissions and transition to cleaner sources of energy.
TerraPower is committed to developing innovative nuclear reactor technologies that can provide clean, sustainable energy solutions for a rapidly changing world. The company’s progress underscores the growing interest in nuclear energy from major technology companies like Nvidia. As AI continues to drive innovation and growth, there is growing recognition that nuclear energy can provide a reliable, carbon-free source of electricity that can support high-power applications.
This investment in TerraPower reflects Nvidia’s commitment to supporting innovative clean tech startups that have the potential to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape. The company believes that nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, and it is excited to support TerraPower’s mission to develop sustainable energy solutions for a rapidly changing world.
The Kemmerer project will be an important test case for TerraPower’s technology, providing valuable insights into the feasibility of its approach. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how TerraPower’s progress unfolds and what impact its technology can have on the transition to a low-carbon economy.
TerraPower’s success will depend on its ability to navigate regulatory challenges and address public concerns about nuclear energy. However, with $1.4 billion in funding secured, the company is well-positioned to bring its innovative reactor designs online and provide clean, carbon-free energy solutions for a rapidly changing world. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, TerraPower’s technology has the potential to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape.
TerraPower’s nuclear reactor technologies offer a promising solution to meet global energy needs while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s approach focuses on developing advanced reactor designs that can provide high-power outputs while minimizing waste production and environmental impact. With continued investment and support, TerraPower may play a vital role in shaping the future of the global energy mix.
The Kemmerer project is a critical test case for TerraPower’s technology, providing valuable insights into the feasibility of its approach. As AI continues to drive innovation and growth, there is growing recognition that nuclear energy can provide a reliable, carbon-free source of electricity that can support high-power applications. With $1.4 billion in funding secured, TerraPower is well-positioned to bring its innovative reactor designs online and provide clean, sustainable energy solutions for a rapidly changing world.
TerraPower’s success will depend on its ability to navigate regulatory challenges and address public concerns about nuclear energy. However, with the growing interest in nuclear energy from major technology companies like Nvidia, there is reason to be optimistic about the company’s prospects for success.