In collaboration with X-energy, this initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, marking a significant step towards cleaner energy.

Nuclear power is increasingly recognized as a viable solution to the growing electricity demand from data centers and AI, while also addressing climate change concerns.

X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell emphasized that the project demonstrates how advanced nuclear technology can meet the rising electricity demand driven by sectors like AI and manufacturing.

On March 31, 2025, Dow's subsidiary Long Mott Energy applied to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction permit to deploy advanced nuclear reactors at its Seadrift, Texas manufacturing complex.

However, safety, security, and the unresolved issue of hazardous nuclear waste storage in the U.S. have raised concerns, particularly from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The NRC anticipates that its review of the permit application will take three years or less, with construction potentially starting in the late 2020s and reactors operational by the early 2030s.

Edward Stones, Dow's vice president of energy and climate, stated that applying for the permit is a crucial step towards expanding access to safe and reliable nuclear energy in the U.S.

Dow aims to replace natural gas with next-generation nuclear reactors to power its Texas manufacturing complex, seeking cleaner energy solutions and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, X-energy is partnering with Amazon to implement over 5 gigawatts of new nuclear power projects across the country by 2039, addressing the energy needs of tech giants committed to renewable energy.

If approved, this would mark the first commercial advanced nuclear power plant at an industrial site in the U.S., according to the NRC.

The project plans to install four Xe-100 advanced small modular reactors, which could generate up to 320 megawatts of electricity and 800 megawatts of thermal power.

Currently, four applicants, including Dow, are seeking NRC construction permits for advanced nuclear reactors, with other projects also in progress across the U.S.