X-energy Receives NRC Approval for First Four Small Modular Reactors in Texas
Nuclear energy startup X-energy has received construction permit approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to build four Xe-100 small modular reactors (SMRs). The project is slated for a Dow chemical plant in Texas and aims to provide 80 megawatts of electricity and 200 megawatts of heat per reactor. This marks the first NRC approval for an advanced nuclear reactor at an industrial site in the United States. While the milestone provides momentum, the project faces scrutiny regarding safety timelines and high capital costs. The Union of Concerned Scientists has questioned the speed of the permit process, suggesting critical safety questions were deferred. Additionally, while X-energy has secured significant backing from Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund and a commitment to supply 5 gigawatts of capacity, the company's stock remains significantly below its initial offering price due to investor concerns over long construction timelines.
Topics: clean energy construction permit nuclear energy regulatory approval small modular reactors
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Part of the story U.S. NRC Approves Construction Permit for X-Energy and Dow Nuclear SMR Project (2 articles)