Dow seeks to replace fossil fuels with nuclear reactors at Texas plastics plant
Dow has applied for federal approval to build small nuclear reactors at its Seadrift, Texas, facility to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its reliance on natural gas.
Jennifer McDermott reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Dow's subsidiary applied for a permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build four small modular reactors at its Seadrift, Texas, chemical plant in partnership with X-energy.
- The project aims to eliminate 500,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and would be the first U.S. commercial advanced nuclear installation at an industrial site.
- If approved, construction could begin later this decade, with the reactors replacing natural gas-fired systems by the early 2030s.
Why this matters:
Dow’s recent decision to pursue a small nuclear reactor at one of its Gulf Coast plastics plants, aiming to reduce its dependence on natural gas, reflects a broader reckoning in energy-intensive sectors. Petrochemical manufacturing is among the dirtiest and most health-damaging parts of the industrial economy, especially for workers and fence-line communities who bear the brunt of chemical pollution. Nuclear’s entry into this world could reshape the conversation — not just about emissions, but about what a “clean” energy transition really means when the industries being decarbonized still pose significant public health risks and nuclear waste disposal remains an unresolved issue.
Read more: Texas explores mini nuclear reactors as a power solution
