Amazon and Energy Northwest are set to construct Washington’s first small modular nuclear power reactor, the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, near Richland. This initiative aims to enhance energy security and promote clean energy in the region. Construction is anticipated to begin within the next five years, with operations projected to start in the early 2030s.
The project, which marks a significant step in advanced nuclear technology deployment, will be situated on land leased from the federal government at the Hanford nuclear site, approximately 10 miles north of Richland. It will operate alongside the Columbia Generating Station, the only commercial nuclear power plant in the Northwest. During the construction phase, the facility is expected to create around 1,000 jobs, with at least 100 permanent positions during its operational phase.
Bob Schuetz, CEO of Energy Northwest, stated, “Today marks a pivotal step forward in bringing this transformative project to life.” The advanced reactor design will be provided by X-Energy, with Amazon covering the initial feasibility study costs. According to Clay Sell, CEO of X-Energy, this collaboration is ushering in a new era for energy in the United States.
The Cascade project will begin with four reactor modules capable of generating 320 megawatts of energy. Amazon will have the right to purchase this electricity to support its artificial intelligence and cloud services. Future plans could expand the facility to include eight additional modules, potentially increasing the total capacity to 960 megawatts. For context, Columbia Generating Station has a capacity of up to 1,207 megawatts, enough to power approximately 1 million homes.
The facility’s design promises a smaller footprint compared to traditional nuclear plants, with the entire complex expected to occupy an area comparable to a few city blocks. “It’s kind of like building Legos offsite,” explained Jackie Eutsey, the strategic outreach manager for Energy Northwest. This modular approach allows for reactors to be transported to the Cascade campus as the project progresses.
Recently released drawings depict a comprehensive campus that includes reactor buildings, a turbine area, cooling systems, and spent fuel storage areas. Kara Hurst, Amazon’s chief sustainability officer, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Seeing these renderings is truly inspiring and a reminder that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Over the past year, Energy Northwest has selected AtkinsRealis as the technical advisor and has engaged with local tribes and stakeholders to conduct environmental reviews and prepare for a construction permit application from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Eutsey emphasized that this project will deliver carbon-free, reliable energy, representing a long-term investment in the region’s energy future.
One of the key advantages of the X-Energy reactor design is its flexibility in adjusting output based on demand. This capability allows the facility to scale back production when renewable sources like wind and solar are abundant, contrasting with traditional plants that typically undergo lengthy refueling outages.
In conjunction with the reactor development, Columbia Basin College is enhancing its nuclear education programs with a $2 million grant from the Department of Energy. This funding will support the establishment of an educational simulator modeled after X-Energy’s Xe-100 reactor, providing students hands-on experience in nuclear technology. An Energy Learning Center at Washington State University Tri-Cities is expected to open soon, further equipping students for careers in the nuclear energy sector.
This initiative is anticipated to create a vital pathway for local students into high-paying jobs, with Energy Northwest already hiring graduates from the Columbia Basin College program, offering starting wages of $39 per hour that can rise to $65 per hour, plus overtime.
As the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility moves forward, it represents not only a significant step for nuclear energy in Washington but also positions the region as a key player in the transition toward a sustainable energy future.
