A construction permit application for a proposed nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas, has been submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by Dow and X-energy Reactor Company, as announced by the companies. This is significant as the U.S. nuclear industry is experiencing increased demand due to power-hungry data centers and the growing trend toward eco-friendly energy sources. The adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) over large reactors, which typically have lengthy construction times, is becoming more prevalent.

The project in Seadrift is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), which works to hasten the implementation of advanced reactors in partnership with U.S. industry. Dow's Long Mott Energy unit is spearheading the advanced SMR project, aiming to supply clean power and industrial steam to Dow's UCC1 Seadrift operations, supporting the manufacturing of billions of pounds of materials annually for various applications such as food packaging and footwear.

Construction of the project could commence later in this decade, leading to startup in the early next decade, with an estimated permit approval timeline of up to 30 months.