CASPER (WNE) — Bill Gates joined three Western governors and three U.S. senators Thursday for a tour of TerraPower's nuclear plant under construction in Kemmerer, where work is progressing on the company's first Natrium reactor.

Gov. Mark Gordon, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, U.S. Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Jim Risch of Idaho and John Curtis of Utah joined business magnate Gates, TerraPower's founder, at the site.

Construction is underway on the plant's energy and nuclear island areas. A key part of the project is a 30,000-square-foot sodium testing facility that will be used to evaluate equipment before it is installed in the reactor plant.

The facility will stand 110 feet tall, with 170 feet of working height, and will hold more than 300 tonnes of liquid sodium for testing reactor components.

Gordon, in a news release, said the project builds on Wyoming's role in the nuclear fuel industry.

“Wyoming continues to prove we are an energy powerhouse. From the extraction of yellow cake to the production of clean, efficient nuclear energy to power America's future, Wyoming is on the forefront,” he said. 

Barrasso said the reactor could help meet growing demand for reliable electricity and create jobs in the state.

“The United States needs more reliable baseload power now. Nuclear power is key to meeting that demand. As the country’s top uranium producer, Wyoming is the ideal place to build TerraPower’s advanced nuclear reactor,” Barrasso said. “Modern nuclear infrastructure like the Natrium Reactor will provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy. It was exciting to see the progress being made on the construction of the Kemmerer Unit 1 Reactor. This groundbreaking project will create jobs and expand energy-driven economic development in Wyoming.”