Carbon-free nuclear power plant opens in Wyo.
“The innovative design of the Natrium reactor will launch a new approach to building nuclear power plants that is designed to be safer, cleaner, faster and more efficient than many alternative energy sources.”
—Craig Albert, president and chief operating officer of Bechtel
Bechtel has begun construction on the Natrium Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyo. The project will bring an advanced commercial nuclear reactor online that the facility’s developers say will deliver reliable, carbon-free power to the power grid.
Located near a decommissioning coal-fired power plant, Natrium is an advanced nuclear reactor using 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 project, which is part of the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
At the June 10 inauguration, Gates said, “We are at what will soon be the foundation of America’s energy future.”
This unique technology will provide base load operation at 345 megawatts with the ability to flex up to 500 megawatts, generating enough power to power 400,000 homes.
“The option to deploy smaller, advanced nuclear plants that can work in tandem with other clean energy sources will help accelerate our progress toward net zero emissions,” said Craig Albert, Bechtel’s president and chief operating officer. “The entire project lifecycle, 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 for 150 nuclear power plants worldwide, bringing more than 76,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation capacity to the world.
Sundt replaces the $91 million Heyburn Interchange in Idaho
Sundt Construction is replacing the 60-year-old Heyburn interchange for the Idaho Department of Transportation. The $91 million project scope includes replacing the east/west structures of I-84 over the Eastern Idaho Railroad and State Highway 24, constructing a partial new portion. -exchange offset-diamond with an overpass bridge and reconstruction and realignment of the existing ramps. The project began in the spring, with completion expected in the fall of 2026.
Colorado receives a share of the 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 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants Program. energy (EECBG) of the Department of Energy, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Along with other DOE initiatives, this program will support communities in the nation’s clean energy transition and in achieving the goal of a net zero economy by 2050.
Through the EECBG program, Colorado has received more than $2 million to strengthen its energy efficiency initiatives.
DOE funding is strategically allocated to support existing Colorado Energy Office grant program efforts.
With a focus on reducing fossil fuel emissions and promoting sustainability, this initiative aims to generate tangible environmental and economic benefits across the state.
In particular, 60% of the allocation (approximately $1.2 million) is intended for small and rural local governments. According to the DOE, this substantial investment will allow these communities to strengthen their staffing capacity, enabling them to effectively implement robust energy conservation measures.
The rest of the funds will go to regional collaborations between cities, counties, municipal bodies and non-profit organizations.
Affordable, all-electric housing is on the rise in Denver
Unlike many affordable housing developments, the Irving is designed to support a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Image courtesy Urban Land Conservancy
“Due to the continued displacement of longtime residents in the West Colfax neighborhood, we believe it is more important than ever to provide 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 the levels for certification of the National Green Building Standard. 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 completed by mid-2025.
“Due to the continued displacement of longtime residents in the West Colfax neighborhood, we believe it is more important than ever to provide affordable housing here,” said Sarah Harman, ULC’s senior vice president of real estate.
Colorado Christian University nears completion of $170 million in projects, with more work on the way
Colorado Christian University is pouring $170 million into new facility construction projects at its Lakewood, Colo., campus. The new projects include the academic building Leprino Hall, the Yetter and Rockmont residence halls, the Anschutz Student Center and the 60,000-square-foot Armstrong Center, which will bring the music school to the main campus. The work also includes a 500-seat theater and the first chapel dedicated to the university. Additionally, another $45 million in construction is planned for the campus in the coming years with the addition of a science and engineering building and new athletic facilities.
