The details: The NRC told X-energy that it’s safe to build four SMRs to power a massive Dow manufacturing facility on the TX coast. The reactors will offer a total 320 MWe of capacity.
Why it matters: This marks the first time in >50 years that the commission has issued a construction permit for a high-temp gas-cooled reactor.
What’s next: The teams have plenty of work ahead, like finalizing the SMR design and applying for an NRC operating license. They’re targeting the early 2030s for first delivery—and expect that the SMRs can power the Dow site for six decades.
While we’re here: This week, the US House passed a bill to streamline licensing for nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities—which the country currently lacks.