Mountain States Industry News: July 2024
Natrium is an advanced nuclear reactor that uses a sodium-based technology to cool the reactor instead of water.
Image courtesy TerraPower
Carbon-Free Nuclear Power Plant Breaks Ground in Wyo.
“The Natrium reactor’s innovative design will launch a new approach to nuclear plant construction that is designed to be safer, cleaner, faster and more efficient than many energy source alternatives.”
—Craig Albert, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bechtel
Bechtel has begun construction on the Natrium Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyo. The project will bring a commercial, advanced nuclear reactor online that the developers of the facility say will deliver carbon-free, reliable power to the electrical grid.
Located near a retiring coal-fired power station, Natrium is an advanced nuclear reactor that uses a sodium-based technology developed by TerraPower, a start-up funded by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Bechtel is TerraPower’s engineering, procurement and construction partner on this first-of-a-kind project, part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
At the June 10 groundbreaking, Gates said, “We are standing on what will soon be the bedrock of America’s energy future.”
This unique technology will provide baseload operation at 345 megawatts with the capability to flex as high as 500 megawatts, generating enough energy to power 400,000 homes.
“The option of deploying smaller advanced nuclear plants that can work in concert with other clean energy sources will help speed our progress toward net-zero emissions,” said Craig Albert, Bechtel president and chief operating officer. “The entire project life cycle, including construction, has been optimized at every stage, making the entire process cost-effective, fast and repeatable.”
Bechtel has designed, built or provided construction services on 150 nuclear plants worldwide, bringing more than 76,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation capacity to the world.
Sundt Replacing $91-Million Heyburn Interchange in Idaho
Sundt Construction is replacing the 60-year-old Heyburn Interchange for the Idaho Transportation Dept. The scope of the $91-million project includes replacing the I-84 east/west structures over the Eastern Idaho Railroad and State Highway 24, constructing a new partial-offset-diamond interchange with an overcrossing bridge and reconstructing and realigning the existing ramps. The project broke ground in the spring, with completion planned for fall 2026.
Colorado Receives Portion of DOE’s $26.9 Million for Clean Energy Projects
The Biden administration has pledged more than $26.9 million to nine states, 27 local governments and one tribe for the next round of formula grants through the Dept. of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Together with other DOE initiatives, this program will support communities in the nation’s clean energy transition and in meeting the goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.
Through the EECBG program, Colorado has received more than $2 million to bolster its energy efficiency initiatives.
The DOE funding is strategically allocated to support the existing efforts of the Colorado Energy Office grant program.
With a focus on reducing fossil fuel emissions and promoting sustainability, this initiative aims to drive tangible environmental and economic benefits across the state.
Notably, 60% of the allocation—approximately $1.2 million—is designated for small and rural local governments. This substantial investment will empower these communities to strengthen their staff capacity, enabling them to implement robust energy-saving measures effectively, according to the DOE.
The remaining funds will be channeled into regional collaborations among cities, counties, municipal bodies and nonprofit organizations.
All-Electric, Affordable Housing Goes Up in Denver
In a departure from many affordable housing developments, the Irving is designed to support a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Image Courtesy Urban Land Conservancy
“Because of the ongoing displacement of longtime residents in the West Colfax neighborhood, we believe it’s more important than ever to deliver affordable housing here.”
—Sarah Harman, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Urban Land Conservancy
Pinkard Construction has broken ground on an all-electric affordable housing development community in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood. Designed by Studio Completiva for the Urban Land Conservancy, the Irving at Mile High Vista will use renewable energy and highly efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling as well as a rooftop solar array on 102 affordable apartments.
The project is expected to meet or exceed levels for National Green Building Standard certification. Other climate-friendly elements include energy-efficient appliances and lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, water-efficient landscaping and electric vehicle charging stations. The project is expected to be complete by mid-2025.
“Because of the ongoing displacement of longtime residents in the West Colfax neighborhood, we believe it’s more important than ever to deliver affordable housing here,” said Sarah Harman, ULC’s senior vice president of real estate.
Colorado Christian University Nears Completion of $170M in Projects, With More Work on the Way
Colorado Christian University is wrapping up $170 million in new facility construction projects on its Lakewood, Colo., campus. New projects include the Leprino Hall academic building, Yetter and Rockmont residence halls, Anschutz Student Center and the 60,000-sq-ft Armstrong Center, which will bring the school of music to the main campus. The work also includes a 500-seat performance theater and the university’s first dedicated chapel. In addition, another $45 million worth of new construction is anticipated on the campus in the coming years with the addition of a science and engineering building and new athletic facilities.
