May 19, 2026 12:30
U.S. chemical group Dow is moving ahead with a project to test, together with X-energy, the use of small modular nuclear reactors to supply cost-competitive energy to petrochemical sites, while also supporting decarbonization.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has completed the environmental assessment related to the application submitted last year by Long Mott Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow, for the construction of a plant in Seadrift, Texas.
The assessment resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), a determination that there are no significant environmental impacts, allowing Dow to continue with the authorization process.
The energy plant, called Long Mott Generating Station, is being developed by Long Mott Energy under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The project calls for four X-energy Xe-100 modules, each rated at 80 megawatts electric (MWe), for a total capacity of 320 MWe and 800 MW thermal. The plant would be able to produce steam and electricity without direct CO2 emissions during operation. According to X-energy, the reactor’s helium coolant does not become radioactive during operation, reducing some radiological assessments and potential environmental impacts.
Once completed, it is expected to become the first grid-scale advanced nuclear plant serving an industrial site in North America.
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The group is expanding its North Carolina site to support growth in liquid colours and additives for thermoplastics and polyurethanes.
