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TerraPower Announces Start of Construction on First Utility-Scale Advanced Nuclear Plant in Wyoming

LCG, April 23, 2026--TerraPower announced today the official start of construction on its Kemmerer Unit 1 nuclear power plant, which could be the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the United States. In early March, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced that it had authorized the staff to issue a construction permit for Unit 1 commercial nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

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TVA Announces Two Energy Storage Agreements Totaling 425 MW/1,700 MWh

LCG, April 22, 2026--The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) yesterday announced two new, 20-year agreements for a 225 MW/900 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in East Tennessee and for a 200 MW/800 MWh BESS project in northern Alabama. Both projects are planned to commence commercial operations in 2029.

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Industry News

AEP Finishes Building Texas Wind Farm

LCG, Nov. 20, 2001--American Electric Power Co. Inc. said this morning that it had completed one of the largest wind farms in the U.S. as "the first step toward strategic growth in renewable generation."

AEP said it has finished building the 150 megawatt (nameplate capacity) Trent Mesa Wind Project near Abilene, Texas, which began producing electricity last summer. The wind farm, the fourth largest now operating in the United States, includes 100 wind turbines, each standing 328 feet tall on about 13 square miles. Construction of the wind farm cost approximately $160 million, the company said.

Before making the investment, AEP made sure it had a buyer for the power. "We are actively working to increase the renewable portion of AEP's generation portfolio, following the same model we use for any generation project -- securing a contract for the power before we build the plant," said Thomas Shockley, chief operating officer.

AEP said it expects Trent Mesa to generate more than 590 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which would represent a capacity factor of 44.9 percent -- probably out of reach for any wind farm. In a 1995 report, the California Energy Commission said the wind farms in that state produced only 18 percent of their nameplate capacity. Some backers of wind power claim that a capacity factor of 35 percent is possible, but production figures over a multi-year period have yet to back them up.

Shockley noted that Trent Mesa is the first significant wind farm in AEP's generation portfolio and said it "showcases AEP's wide array of capabilities. We developed the project, determined the appropriate site and negotiated a long-term contract for the electricity."

But AEP will not let green power go to its head. "Wind is a viable energy source, but it may not be the right choice for all areas," Shockley said. "It is vital for our nation's energy security that all sources of electricity generation -- coal, gas, nuclear, hydro and wind or other renewables -- continue to play a role in the total generation mix."

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