Dow and X-energy win construction approval for industrial nuclear project

Dow and reactor developer X-energy announced on November 9 that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a construction permit for four proposed Xe-100 small modular reactors—reactors built around smaller, modular designs—at Dow's Seadrift industrial site in Texas. Dow is participating through its wholly owned subsidiary Long Mott Energy.^[1]

The companies said the permit completes the NRC's safety and environmental reviews. The proposed plant would be the first advanced nuclear facility to power an industrial site in the United States.^[1]

Approval clears a regulatory hurdle and moves X-energy closer to supplying reactors to an industrial customer. If Dow proceeds with construction, the proposed four-unit plant could create demand for reactor, nuclear-fuel and supporting-equipment suppliers.^[1]

For Dow and other industrial energy users, the project would test the practical case for nuclear power at a factory site. Energy supply feeds into production costs, but any cost advantage depends on construction spending and operating performance; the supplied announcement gives no project cost, savings estimate or operating date.^[1]

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