American Electric Power on Oct. 19 announced a joint development agreement with X-energy to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a 960-megawatt advanced nuclear energy project at a former coal plant site in Sullivan County, Indiana. Amazon is supporting the project’s development through a funding agreement.
"If the development project reaches a final investment decision and moves forward with construction and commercial operation, the completed facility would add safe, clean, reliable electricity to the grid using X-energy’s Xe-100 small modular reactor technology," AEP said.
Amazon intends to purchase the power under a long-term contract, covering the costs of the facility and its operations for the duration of the contract.
"This collaboration combines AEP’s power generation and nuclear operating expertise, Amazon’s commitment to development capital and long-term power purchase, and X-energy’s advanced nuclear technology to explore the development of a clean, safe, long-term energy solution to benefit customers and foster economic development in Indiana," AEP said.
X-energy’s Xe-100 is an advanced nuclear technology designed to provide safe, reliable energy in a compact footprint.
The initial project would include 12 Xe-100 units of 80 MW each, configured in groups of four, for a total of 960 MW.
The companies are evaluating the former site of I&M’s Breed Generating Station in Sullivan County, Indiana, as a location for the potential project. Sullivan County recently became part of the Indiana Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program that supports the opportunity for an advanced nuclear project.
Should the project advance beyond the development phase into construction and commercial operation, it is expected to create jobs, expand the local tax base and strengthen Indiana’s energy infrastructure for more than 60 years, AEP said.
