Konecranes to supply advanced material handling equipment for TerraPower’s Natrium® Reactor demonstration plant in Wyoming

Konecranes will supply a fully customized 125-ton hoist crane, including a 15-ton auxiliary hoist and a top-running overhead crane with dual trolleys, to TerraPower’s Natrium® Reactor Demonstration Plant (a TerraPower and GE-Hitachi technology project) in Wyoming. The order, from TerraPower’s engineering, procurement, and construction partner Bechtel, was placed in June 2024, and delivery and installation of the crane system are planned for autumn 2025.

Founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower aims to develop advanced nuclear technologies to provide safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions. The crane will be utilized at the Wyoming site’s Test and Fill Facility (TFF) for maintenance and production support. The TFF is a non-nuclear facility designed to store the approximately 400,000 gallons of sodium needed for Natrium’s coolant system.

Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services was selected to work on the Test and Fill Facility Bridge Crane for the Natrium Demonstration Project. Bechtel has worked with Konecranes previously on other projects.

Andrew Grooms, Regional Sales Manager, Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Service said, "We have a longstanding partnership with Bechtel on clean energy projects dating back to the 1930s with the construction of the Hoover Dam and the use of P&H cranes, which are now part of Konecranes. Since 2021, we have provided technical expertise and high-quality crane designs for the Natrium Project, surpassing standard industry requirements. Our ongoing commitment to this project highlights the significance of our collaboration in addressing global climate change."

The dual trolley design of the crane allows for synchronized operation of both trolleys and hoists, ensuring precision and efficiency in material handling. The crane's advanced features, including a main hoist with a 86-foot reach and an auxiliary hoist with a 136-foot reach, all within tight envelope tolerances, showcase Konecranes' commitment to innovation in manufacturing.

A strong focus on customers, commitment to business growth, and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, as well as efforts to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.