As energy demands increase and the transition to a clean energy future accelerates, nuclear power remains an essential source of reliable, carbon-free electricity. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear provides around-the-clock power, ensuring grid stability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are the next generation of nuclear technology, designed to be more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective than traditional reactors. Their advanced safety features, smaller footprint, and ability to integrate with renewable energy make them a crucial part of the clean energy transition.
Energy Northwest’s Role in Small Modular Reactor Development
We are committed to advancing nuclear energy technology in Washington state. With the passage of the Clean Energy Transformation Act in 2019, the need for safe, reliable, and carbon-free energy has never been greater. To help meet this demand, Energy Northwest is leading the development of an Xe-100 reactor in collaboration with X-energy, a leading SMR company. The project is supported by investments from Amazon, the State of Washington, Puget Sound Energy, and numerous public power utilities.
In the fall of 2024, Energy Northwest entered into a funding and development agreement with Amazon, providing financial support for approximately two years of work. This agreement enables the completion of the feasibility phase and significant progress in the development phase, bringing the project closer to the construction permit application stage.
The Xe-100 project in Washington is expected to follow Dow Chemical’s deployment of the same reactor technology in Texas, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
Project Overview
Energy Northwest’s initial SMR deployment will include four Xe-100 reactor modules, producing a total of 320 megawatts (MW) of clean energy. The project site will be licensed to accommodate up to 12 modules (960 MW) in the future, ensuring scalability as energy demand grows.
Additional project highlights:
Feasibility and due diligence activities are currently underway.
Public power utilities will have the opportunity to purchase up to 50% of the power from the full 960 MW project.
Job creation: 1,000–2,000 jobs during peak construction and 100–200 full-time, family-wage jobs during operation.
Location: The project will be sited in Richland, Washington, near Columbia Generating Station.
Xe-100 Advanced Reactor Features
The Xe-100 is a High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) designed to provide reliable, carbon-free energy with enhanced safety features. Key advantages include:
80 MW per reactor module with a 60-year design life.
Modular construction, allowing components to be built offsite and transported via rail or road.
Continuous online refueling, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
Walk-away safe design with passive safety systems that eliminate the risk of overheating.
Fuel that cannot melt, further enhancing safety.
Together with our partners, we’re building the next generation of nuclear power, ensuring a reliable energy supply for generations to come. To learn more about Energy Northwest's efforts in advancing Small Modular Reactors and to stay updated on our progress, we invite you to follow our journey and explore how these innovations are shaping the future of clean energy.
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