Nuclear Power Plant to Be Built in Texas
Dow, a major producer of chemicals and plastics, has announced plans to use next-generation nuclear reactors for clean power and steam at a Texas manufacturing complex instead of natural gas. This move comes as the company aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Background on Nuclear Power in the US
Nuclear power is emerging as an answer to meet the soaring demand for electricity nationwide, driven by the expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence, manufacturing and electrification, and to stave off the worst effects of a warming planet. However, there are safety and security concerns associated with nuclear power.
The Dow Project
Dow wants four of X-energy's advanced small modular reactors, the Xe-100. Combined, those could supply up to 320 megawatts of electricity or 800 megawatts of thermal power. This project would be the first U.S. commercial advanced nuclear power plant for an industrial site.
The Seadrift manufacturing complex, at about 4,700 acres, has eight production plants owned by Dow and one owned by Braskem. There, Dow makes plastics for a variety of uses including food and beverage packaging and wire and cable insulation, as well as glycols for antifreeze, polyester fabrics and bottles, and oxide derivatives for health and beauty products.
The Benefits of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants can generate clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This makes them an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Edward Stones, the business vice president of energy and climate at Dow, said submitting the permit application is an important next step in expanding access to safe, clean, reliable, cost-competitive nuclear energy in the United States.
The Review Process
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expects the review process for Dow's project to take three years or less. If a permit is issued, construction could begin at the end of this decade so the reactors would be ready early in the 2030s.
Other Companies Exploring Nuclear Power
A total of four applicants have asked the NRC for construction permits for advanced nuclear reactors. The NRC has already issued a permit to Abilene Christian University for a research reactor and to Kairos Power for one reactor and two reactor test versions of that company's design.
Bill Gates' energy company, TerraPower, is also working on building an advanced reactor in Wyoming. X-energy is collaborating with Amazon to bring more than 5 gigawatts of new nuclear power projects online across the United States by 2039, beginning in Washington state.
Implications for Climate Change
The expansion of nuclear power could be a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. However, concerns around safety and security must also be addressed.
X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell said the project would demonstrate how new nuclear technology can meet the massive growth in electricity demand.
Conclusion
The construction of a next-generation nuclear reactor at Dow's Texas manufacturing complex could have significant implications for the environment and the energy landscape in the US. It will be essential to carefully consider the safety and security aspects of such projects as they move forward.