This Texas chemical plant could get its own nuclear reactors
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Summary
Texas-based chemical company Dow Chemical and nuclear reactor developer X-energy have applied to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a permit to build a nuclear facility that would power Dow’s plastics and materials factory in Seadrift, Texas.
If the facility goes ahead it would be the first time a nuclear reactor has been used to power an industrial process onsite, and could provide a blueprint for other industrial processes and power-hungry data centres.
The plant would use four X-100 reactors, which can provide enough steam to power the plant, as well as electricity for the local grid.
The application is a significant milestone for the companies, and for the potential of advanced nuclear technology to power industrial processes, and demonstrates the momentum towards deploying new nuclear reactors to aid with decarbonisation efforts.