The Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington is set to receive funding from Amazon for the deployment of 12 small modular reactors (SMRs). Energy Northwest will oversee the construction of this facility outside Richland, Washington, close to the Columbia Generating Station. Amazon announced the project in a recent press release.
Project Overview
This innovative facility will utilize a modular design comprising three sections of 320 megawatts (MW) each, totaling 960 MW. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional nuclear setups, which often require up to a square mile of land for a single gigawatt (GW) facility.
Partnerships and Funding
The SMRs will be supplied by X-energy, a company that secured $500 million in Series C funding from Amazon last year. Their advanced reactor technology, the Xe-100, will be employed in this partnership, designed to enhance sustainable energy production.
- Initial Phase: Four SMRs with a capacity of 320 MW
- Expansion Option: Up to 12 units, totaling 960 MW
- Construction Start: Expected by the end of the decade
- Operational Target: Aiming for the 2030s
Technological Impact
Energy Northwest emphasizes the urgent need for advanced technologies in the Pacific Northwest. These SMRs will contribute to carbon-free and reliable energy solutions.
The Xe-100, which is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, is designed to provide 80 MW per module. This energy will support various applications, including artificial intelligence and digital tools.
Strategic Collaborations
In August, X-energy, Amazon, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Doosan Enerbility established a collaboration agreement to expedite the deployment of Xe-100 reactors across the United States. The goal is to meet rising energy demands from sectors like data centers and advanced manufacturing.
- Target Power Production: More than 5 GW of nuclear energy by 2039
- Investment Mobilization: Up to $50 billion in public and private funds
This partnership aims to bolster America’s energy dominance while supporting the growth of artificial intelligence technologies.
