TerraPower Secures $650 Million Investment to Advance Natrium Reactor Commercialization

TerraPower, the nuclear innovation startup founded with backing from Bill Gates, has recently closed a $650 million funding round. This injection of capital is set to accelerate the construction of its first commercial power plant in Wyoming, positioning the company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving energy sector.

Strategic Investment and High-Profile Backing

Significant players in the technology and energy sectors are increasingly turning their attention to nuclear startups. Notably, NVIDIA’s venture arm, NVentures, marked its inaugural foray into the energy landscape by participating in the funding round. With continued support from established investors such as Bill Gates and HD Hyundai, TerraPower is poised to leverage this momentum as it moves toward commercial scalability.

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Innovative Reactor Design for Flexible Energy Generation

TerraPower’s flagship Natrium reactor distinguishes itself with its use of molten sodium as a cooling medium, diverging from conventional water-cooled designs. The design incorporates an excess of sodium, allowing heat generated during low-demand periods to be stored in large tanks. This stored thermal energy supports a stable operational state for the reactor and can produce up to 500 megawatts of electricity for more than five hours, effectively bridging the intermittent output typical of solar and wind energy sources.

Regulatory Outlook and Construction Milestones

The reactor, which is engineered to deliver 345 megawatts of electricity, occupies a middle ground between large conventional reactors and emerging small modular reactors. Construction of the first power plant is expected to commence in June 2024, although regulatory approvals for the reactor design are anticipated for next year. Given the historically favorable regulatory environment during the previous administration, this timeline appears plausible.

Cost Considerations and Future Prospects

While TerraPower projects a reactor completion timeline of three years following the initial concrete pour, the overall project cost remains substantial. Recent reports suggest that expenses could approach $4 billion, with potential financial support from the Department of Energy contributing up to half the total cost. Despite these high costs, the promise of a more cost-effective reactor model compared to recent U.S. standards positions TerraPower as a pivotal player in next-generation nuclear energy.

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Cyprus Foreclosure Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Rising Non-Performing Loans

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Political Stakes And Foreclosure Regulation

Cypriot political parties are engaging in a high-stakes debate in parliament as they deliberate changes to the legal framework governing foreclosures ahead of the May parliamentary elections. The proposed shifts are aimed at curbing the rapid escalation in the value of non-performing loans, a trend that has sparked significant public and legislative concern. Confidential data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates that the nation has not yet moved away from its longstanding issues related to so-called “red loans.”

Non-Performing Loans: A Mounting Financial Challenge

Recent figures show that the value of distressed loans has continued to rise, surpassing €20 billion following transfers involving banks and credit recovery companies. This level exceeds the approximately €15 billion recorded during the economic crisis period. Central Bank data indicates that after loan sales, credit recovery firms now manage portfolios totaling €19.7 billion, of which €18.5 billion are classified as non-performing. About 87% of these loans are considered terminated, while the firms acquired 141,478 loans for €3.2 billion, roughly 80% below their original value.

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Credit Recovery Companies: Overshooting Investment Returns

By June, credit recovery companies had recovered €5.7 billion through a combination of cash repayments, judicial asset auctions and property-for-debt exchanges. Cash repayments accounted for €3.6 billion, judicial recoveries contributed €619 million, and property swaps added €1.5 billion. These recoveries exceeded the original purchase cost of many loan portfolios while overall balances continued to increase due to accrued interest, a development that remains a concern for policymakers.

Bank Portfolios And The Impact On Financial Stability

Data from the State Guarantee Fund for Deposits and Loans shows that 77,561 loans valued at €7.5 billion were transferred, leaving a remaining balance of €5.7 billion by June 2025, of which €5 billion are non-performing. Within the banking sector, non-performing loans totaled €1.45 billion across 24,736 accounts as of last June. Since December 2024, these figures have improved by approximately €86 million due to repayments and asset recoveries. The reduction in problematic loans has lowered bank exposure compared with levels recorded during the 2013 crisis.

Legislative Proposals And Government Considerations

Political leaders argue that adjustments to foreclosure procedures can be introduced without undermining banking stability. Parliament’s Economic Committee is scheduled to begin discussions on March 9, with an estimated 20 to 30 legislative proposals currently pending from multiple parties. While the Ministry of Finance has not announced immediate legislative action, officials are evaluating the potential reintroduction of elements of the Rent-Versus-Rate plan for vulnerable borrowers, subject to fiscal impact assessments.

Advocacy From AKEL And Environmental Groups

Proposals supported by the AKEL party and several civil organizations focus on strengthening legal protections for borrowers. Among the suggested measures is restoring the right to seek judicial relief to delay foreclosures in cases involving disputed charges or alleged abusive contract clauses. AKEL representative Aristos Damianou criticized the pace of foreclosure proceedings and warned of risks to primary residences and small businesses.

Proposals Targeting Guarantors And Foreclosure Processes

The Democratic Rally party has introduced a proposal aimed at limiting guarantor liability during foreclosure procedures. Under the draft measure, if a property is auctioned or repossessed, the guarantor’s responsibility would be capped at the original loan amount adjusted by recovered sums. The proposal also requires that enforcement actions against guarantors be suspended until a court ruling is issued if the borrower formally disputes the debt.

Revisions Proposed By The Democratic Party of Cyprus

The Democratic Party is also preparing new legislative measures to be introduced on Thursday. Party leader Mario Karogian outlined plans to suspend the foreclosures of primary residences valued up to €350,000 until the end of the year, allowing time to address legislative gaps. Additional proposals include broadening the powers of the Financial Ombudsperson to make binding decisions on disputes up to €50,000, enforcing the Central Bank’s code of conduct, and ensuring strict adherence to refinancing guidelines for first residences.

Outlook And Strategic Implications

The range of proposals reflects an ongoing effort to balance financial system stability with stronger consumer protections. Decisions made in the coming months are expected to shape the regulatory environment for foreclosures and influence broader confidence in Cyprus’ financial sector and economic outlook.

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