BWX Technologies has applied for $100 million through Wyoming Energy Authority’s Large Project Energy Matching Funds to support construction of its tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel fabrication facility near Gillette, Wyo.
The Wyoming Energy Authority’s Energy Matching Funds committee has recommended sending this proposal to Gov. Mark Gordon (R) for review for the $100 million grant, according to the state agency’s Oct. 10 press release.
The review committee is made up of several state officials, including a designee from the governor’s office and the executive director of Wyoming Energy Authority.
A 45-day public comment on the project opened on Oct. 13 and will conclude on Nov. 25.
Last month, BWXT announced plans to build a TRISO manufacturing fuel facility near Gillette, Wyo., a project worth nearly $500 million, Oil City News reported on Sept. 25. BWXT said it hopes to have the new facility in operation by the early 2030s and produce over 200 new jobs.
Oil City News also reported that BWXT said that the facility is planned to only operate on the front end of the fuel cycle and will not produce or store spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste there.
Wyoming state law only allows for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel at operating nuclear power plants.
The Large Project Energy Matching Funds plan was established by Wyoming lawmakers in 2024 to encourage in-state development.
The state’s contribution can never exceed 50% of the project’s total cost according to the release.