Dow, a major manufacturer of chemicals and plastics, is seeking to utilize advanced nuclear reactors for clean power and steam at a manufacturing facility in Texas instead of relying on natural gas.
Dow's subsidiary, Long Mott Energy, has submitted an application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a construction permit. The project, in collaboration with X-energy, aims to significantly reduce emissions related to power and steam generation at its Seadrift, Texas plant, potentially preventing around 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
If the project is successfully constructed and operated according to plan, it would mark the first commercial deployment of advanced nuclear power at an industrial site in the United States, as stated by the NRC.
The increasing demand for electricity across the country, driven by the growth of data centers, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and electrification, has led to a growing interest in nuclear power as a means to combat climate change. Despite the benefits, safety and security concerns remain, along with ongoing challenges related to the storage of nuclear waste.
Dow is planning to install four of X-energy's advanced small modular reactors, known as the Xe-100, which could collectively generate up to 320 megawatts of electricity or 800 megawatts of thermal power. The project aims to showcase how new nuclear technology can meet the rising electricity needs.
The Seadrift manufacturing complex, spanning approximately 4,700 acres, houses several production plants operated by Dow and Braskem. At this site, Dow produces a variety of plastics used in food and beverage packaging, wire and cable insulation, glycols for antifreeze, polyester fabrics and bottles, and oxide derivatives for beauty and health products.
Edward Stones, Dow's business vice president of energy and climate, emphasized the significance of applying for the construction permit as a crucial step toward expanding access to safe, clean, and cost-effective nuclear energy in the U.S. The project is part of the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The NRC anticipates completing its review within three years or sooner. If the permit is granted, construction could commence by the end of the decade, with the reactors expected to be operational in the early 2030s following the retirement of the natural gas-fired equipment.
In addition to Dow's project, three other entities have sought construction permits from the NRC for advanced nuclear reactors. This includes Abilene Christian University for a research reactor, Kairos Power for one reactor and two test versions of its design, and an application by Bill Gates and TerraPower to develop an advanced reactor in Wyoming.