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 energy provides around-the-clock power, ensuring grid stability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
SMRs are the next generation of nuclear technology. They are designed to be:
- Flexible and scalable
- More cost-effective than traditional reactors
- Safer, with advanced passive safety features
- Smaller in footprint
- Able to integrate with renewable energy
Cascade Advanced Energy Facility
On October 16, 2024, Energy Northwest announced a partnership with Amazon and X-energy to begin the feasibility phase of the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility near Richland, Washington.
Project Overview
- Initial deployment: four Xe-100 reactor modules, producing 320 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free energy.
- The project site will be licensed for 12 modules (960 MW) for future expansion.
- The Cascade project is a fast follower of Dow’s proposed advanced nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas, which is part of the DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The project is named the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, reflecting the strength, resilience and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest
Project Highlights
- Feasibility and due diligence activities underway
- Public power utilities may purchase up to 50% of the power from the full 960 MW project
- Job creation: 1,000–2,000 jobs during construction; 100–200 full-time, family-wage jobs during operation
- Location: near Columbia Generating Station, Richland, Washington
Xe-100 Advanced Reactor Features
The Xe-100 is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed to provide reliable, carbon-free energy with enhanced safety features. Key advantages include:
- 80 MW per module with a 60-year design life
- Modular construction for efficient transport
- 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
X-energy is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology. Learn more at X-energy.com.
Energy Education and Workforce Development
As part of our commitment to workforce development, Energy Northwest has acquired an Energy Learning Center in collaboration with Columbia Basin College, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Capacity Building Grant Program.
The center will be located at Washington State University’s Institute for Northwest Energy Futures campus and will feature a simulator that replicates X-energy’s control room. This educational simulator will give students hands-on experience with the same advanced technology that will power X-energy’s Xe-100 reactors.
Related news releases:
- Energy Northwest Selects Design Builder for Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington State – Energy Northwest
- Energy Northwest Selects AtkinsRealis as Owner’s Engineer for SMR development