Dow, X-energy Proposed SMR Project Receives Historic Construction Permit for Nuclear-Powered Industrial Site
Key Highlights
- ➤NRC approves construction permit for four Xe-100 reactors at Dow’s Texas industrial site
- ➤Long Mott becomes first advanced nuclear facility approved for a U.S. industrial site
- ➤Dow expects preliminary investment decision in 2027 before full-scale construction
- ➤Xe-100 plant planned to provide electricity and high-temperature steam for 60 years
- ➤Construction permit enables design finalization, supply-chain maturation, and operating-license application
Expert Statements
J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy
“This is an important day. Getting the construction permit earlier than expected is reflective of the thorough and efficient work of the NRC, the reforms that have been put in place by the Congress over the last six years, and the phenomenal work of the X-energy and Dow teams. This milestone is further validation of the XE regulatory approach that can be replicated across our growing commercial pipeline, giving our customers greater confidence in the regulatory process and a clearer path to deployment.”
Edward Stones, Business Vice President, Energy & Climate at Dow
“This is another important milestone for the proposed Long Mott Generating Station project and a testament to the thoughtful, thorough and efficient review conducted by the NRC. We appreciate the NRC's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety while advancing a clear and predictable regulatory process for advanced nuclear technologies. As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate the project through the lens of competitiveness, execution readiness, and capital affordability before any decision regarding construction is made.”
Ho K. Nieh, Chairman of the NRC
“Today, the new NRC is issuing America’s first construction permit for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in more than half a century. We delivered on the 18-month schedule, proving we can do rigorous safety reviews on predictable timelines that move advanced nuclear technology from design to construction.”
Mike Goff, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy
“This milestone marks a significant step forward for the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and our efforts to bring next-generation nuclear technologies to market. The NRC’s approval demonstrates meaningful progress toward deploying advanced reactors that can deliver reliable power and industrial heat, strengthen American energy leadership and expand the role of nuclear energy in meeting our nation’s growing energy demands.”
* Construction Permit issuance completes NRC Safety and Environmental reviews * Proposed four-unit Xe-100 plant at Dow’s Seadrift site would be the first advanced nuclear facility to power an industrial site in the United States * Historic milestone achieved under U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- X-Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XE) (“X-energy” or “the Company”), a leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technology, and Dow (NYSE: DOW) through its wholly-owned subsidiary Long Mott Energy, LLC (“Dow”) today announced that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) has approved the Construction Permit Application (“CPA”) for the proposed construction of four Xe-100 advanced small modular reactors at Dow’s UCC Seadrift Operations site in Texas. The CPA approval makes Long Mott Generating Station the first advanced nuclear facility approved for an industrial site in the United States, a historic milestone achieved under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”).
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