Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  March 31, 2025

Dow Proposes Nuclear Project in Texas

Chemicals and plastics manufacturer Dow announced the submission of a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a proposed advanced nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas.

X-Energy Reactor Company also participated in the application. 

Dow's proposed advanced small modular reactor (SM) project is being developed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Long Mott Energy LLC. The project is focused on providing Dow's UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing site with safe, reliable, and clean power and industrial steam to replace existing energy and steam assets that are near end-of-life. 

The nuclear power and steam assets would eliminate most Scope 1 and 2 emissions at the site and ensure the site remains competitively advantaged for the life of the facility.

The project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), which is designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors through cost-shared partnerships with U.S. industry.

Approval of the construction permit could take up to 30 months. Once the permit is received and upon Dow confirming the ability to deliver the project while achieving its financial return targets, construction could begin. Dow expects the cost of energy ‐ net of all subsidies ‐ to be competitive with other alternatives for firm, clean energy.   

"This is an important next step in expanding access to safe, clean, reliable, cost-competitive nuclear energy in the U.S.," said Edward Stones, business vice president, Energy & Climate, Dow, in a statement. "We look forward to engaging with the NRC, DOE, our business partners and the community throughout the application process."

Long Mott Generating Station is expected to be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor deployed to serve an industrial site in North America.

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