Texas Gets Green Light for First Industrial Nuclear Reactor

A proposed advanced nuclear project in Calhoun County has cleared a major federal regulatory hurdle, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issuing a construction permit for X-energy and Dow's Long Mott Energy project at Dow's Seadrift Operations.

U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R) joined X-energy CEO Clay Sell, Dow executives, and NRC leadership at the commission's headquarters for the announcement.

The project will use X-energy's Xe-100 small modular reactors to provide electricity and industrial heat to Dow's Seadrift facility. According to Cloud's office, the development would become the first commercial nuclear reactor in the United States built specifically to power an industrial plant. It also marks the first construction permit for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in more than 50 years.

Rep. Cloud said the project could bring long-term employment, investment, and additional energy capacity to the Texas Gulf Coast.

"Texas's 27th District is leading the nation into a new era of American energy," said Rep. Cloud. "This permit will bring jobs, a stronger manufacturing base on the Gulf Coast, and energy built right here at home."

He added that the Seadrift facility could support American industry for generations as advanced nuclear technology expands in Texas.

The project is expected to require years of construction and create demand for a permanent highly skilled workforce. Its reactors are designed to provide around-the-clock power and industrial heat, helping Dow maintain reliable operations at one of the region's major industrial facilities.

Cloud has supported the project through his work on the House Appropriations Committee. His office said he helped secure $2.675 billion for the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which supports advanced reactor development, including X-energy's work at Seadrift.

In March, Cloud also wrote to federal officials urging them to prioritize nuclear funding for the project. The NRC completed its environmental assessment of the site in May.

X-energy and Dow have entered the construction and long-lead procurement phase, with the new permit clearing another regulatory milestone for the development.