Dow, a large company that makes chemicals and plastics, plans to use a new type of nuclear reactor to provide clean electricity and steam at its plant in Seadrift, Texas, instead of using natural gas.
On Monday, Dow’s subsidiary, Long Mott Energy, applied for a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The project is being developed with X-energy, a company that focuses on advanced nuclear reactors and fuel. Dow says this project would nearly remove emissions from producing power and steam at the site, cutting about 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year.
If the plant is built and works as planned, it would be the first advanced nuclear power facility in the U.S. built specifically for an industrial site, according to the NRC.
Many people now see nuclear power as a possible solution for the growing need for electricity in the country. This need is being pushed by the growth of data centers, artificial intelligence, new manufacturing, and the switch to electric systems. Nuclear power could also help reduce the effects of climate change. Still, the Union of Concerned Scientists has warned about safety and security issues, and the U.S. still hasn’t figured out how to safely store nuclear waste.
Dow wants to install four of X-energy’s small modular reactors, called Xe-100. Together, they could generate up to 320 megawatts of electricity or 800 megawatts of heat energy. X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell said the project would show how new nuclear technology can support growing electricity needs.
Dow sign is shown in MidlandDow’s Seadrift site is about 4,700 acres and includes eight plants owned by Dow and one owned by Braskem. The site produces plastics used in things like food packaging, wire insulation, and other products. It also makes materials used in antifreeze, polyester, bottles, and personal care items.
Edward Stones, who leads Dow’s energy and climate work, said submitting this permit request is a key step toward increasing the use of nuclear energy that is safe, clean, reliable, and affordable in the U.S. The Department of Energy is backing the project through its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The NRC says its review could take up to three years or possibly less. If approved, construction might begin by the end of this decade, with the reactors ready in the early 2030s. That timing would allow Dow to shut down its current natural gas-powered systems.
So far, four groups have asked the NRC for permits to build advanced nuclear reactors. The NRC has given a permit to Abilene Christian University for a research project and to Kairos Power for one reactor and two test versions. The NRC is still looking at a request from TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates, to build a reactor in Wyoming.
X-energy is working with Amazon on a separate project to bring over 5 gigawatts of nuclear energy to sites across the country by 2039, starting in Washington state. Amazon and other big tech companies are committing to cleaner energy sources to handle rising power use from data centers and to help fight climate change.
