Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 6 hrs ago
US approves construction permit for four-reactor Texas nuclear project
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a construction permit for a four-reactor nuclear plant planned at Dow’s industrial site in Calhoun County, Texas.
The Long Mott Generating Station would use four Xe-100 reactors developed by X-energy.
The project is designed mainly to provide high-temperature steam for Dow’s manufacturing operations, while sending surplus electricity to the grid.
The reactors use a high-temperature gas design, and the permit is the first approval of its kind in nearly 60 years.
The permit allows construction but not operation; the company must get a separate NRC operating licence before loading fuel or producing power.
Dow has not made a final investment decision and still needs to finish engineering and design work and secure board approval.
If the project proceeds, construction could start later this decade, with operations expected in the early 2030s.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a construction permit for a planned four-reactor nuclear facility at Dow’s industrial site in Texas.
The Long Mott Generating Station is planned for Calhoun County and would use Xe-100 reactors developed by X-energy.
The 320-megawatt-electric facility is designed mainly to supply high-temperature steam to Dow’s site, with surplus electricity sent to the grid.
The permit does not authorize the company to load fuel or operate the reactors, which will require a separate NRC operating licence.
Dow has not made a final investment decision, and construction could begin later this decade if the project proceeds.
- Who
- Long Mott Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow, is developing the project. The reactors are developed by X-energy.
- What
- The NRC issued a construction permit for a planned facility with four Xe-100 reactors.
- When
- The permit was issued on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The facility is planned for Dow’s Seadrift Operations site in Calhoun County, Texas.
- Why
- The plant is designed mainly to supply high-temperature steam for industrial processes at Dow’s site.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact.
The NRC completed its comprehensive safety evaluation.
The NRC issued the construction permit for the four-reactor facility.
Construction could begin if Dow proceeds with the project.
The facility is expected to start operating if the project proceeds.
- Reactor units
- 4 Xe-100 small modular reactors
- Electrical capacity
- 320 MWe combined
- Thermal capacity
- 800 MWth combined
- Location
- Calhoun County, Texas
- Developer
- Long Mott Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow
- Permit review
- Completed within an 18-month schedule
What people are saying
Today, the new NRC is issuing America’s first construction permit for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in more than half a century,