American Electric Power, Amazon and X-energy are pursuing preliminary development of a proposed 960-megawatt nuclear plant at the former Breed Generating Station in Sullivan County, Indiana. AEP and X-energy announced a joint development agreement, while Amazon entered a funding agreement and intends to purchase the facility’s electricity through a long-term contract. The companies said they expect to determine by late 2029 whether to advance the project.
What it means
The proposed Indiana plant would contain 12 Xe-100 small modular reactor units, each rated at 80 megawatts. The units would be arranged in four-unit groups and would connect to the electric grid if the project is built. The Xe-100 reactor design still requires federal approval, and no Xe-100 units are currently under construction.
AEP said it needs to add 63 gigawatts of capacity by 2030. Amazon said the Indiana project is intended to develop nearly a gigawatt of carbon-free electricity for the regional grid, while its companywide Climate Pledge sets a 2040 net-zero carbon target. The project would be X-energy’s third announced commercial Xe-100 development in the United States and its second commercial Xe-100 project under the company’s collaboration with Amazon.
Key facts
- The proposed Sullivan County nuclear plant would have 960 megawatts of capacity.
- The facility would use 12 Xe-100 units rated at 80 megawatts each.
- AEP, Amazon and X-energy expect a decision on whether to proceed by late 2029.
- The proposed site is the former Breed Generating Station in Sullivan County, Indiana.
- Sullivan County recently joined the Indiana Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program.
- Amazon and X-energy aim to bring more than 5 gigawatts of nuclear capacity to the U.S. grid by 2039.
- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said the project could create well-paying jobs in Sullivan County.
Source: Quartz India, reporting agreements involving American Electric Power, Amazon and X-energy