Dow, renowned for its chemical and plastic production, is planning to harness next-generation nuclear reactors to power its operations in Texas, aiming to replace natural gas usage with a cleaner option. Long Mott Energy, a subsidiary of Dow, submitted an application on Monday to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction permit. This initiative is in collaboration with X-energy, a company specializing in advanced nuclear reactors and fuels, to dramatically cut emissions. If successful, it could reduce the Seadrift, Texas plant’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 500,000 metric tons annually.
This project could become the first commercial advanced nuclear power plant at an industrial site in the U.S., pending NRC approval. As the need for electricity grows due to advancements in technology and manufacturing, nuclear power is seen by many as a viable solution to meet these demands while addressing climate change. Nevertheless, concerns around nuclear safety, security, and waste management remain significant issues highlighted by organizations such as the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Dow’s plan involves deploying four X-energy Xe-100 small modular reactors, which are expected to deliver a combined electrical output of up to 320 megawatts or produce 800 megawatts of thermal power. J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, emphasized that this project would exemplify how new nuclear technologies can meet the increasing need for electricity.
The Seadrift complex spans approximately 4,700 acres and hosts eight production units owned by Dow, alongside one operated by Braskem. The facility produces various products like plastics for packaging, wire insulation, and chemicals used in antifreeze and personal care goods.
Edward Stones, overseeing energy and climate initiatives at Dow, regards the permit application as a crucial step towards expanding the reach of safe and cost-effective nuclear energy across the United States. This endeavor is bolstered by backing from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The NRC anticipates completing its review process within three years or less. Should the permit be granted, construction could commence by the late 2020s, positioning the reactors for operation in the early 2030s, aligning with the phase-out of existing natural gas infrastructure.
Currently, the NRC is managing four construction permit applications for advanced nuclear reactors. Among these, Abilene Christian University has received a permit for a research reactor, and Kairos Power obtained approval for one reactor along with two test reactors. An application from TerraPower, Bill Gates’ energy venture seeking to develop an advanced reactor in Wyoming, is under review as well.
X-energy is also collaborating with Amazon to set up over 5 gigawatts of new nuclear power capacity across the U.S. by 2039, starting in Washington state. Amid rising demand fueled by data centers and AI, major tech corporations like Amazon are committing to renewable energy, aiming to mitigate climate change impacts.