Energy Northwest has selected AtkinsRéalis Group as the Owner's Engineer for its small modular reactor project development in Washington state.
AtkinsRéalis is an engineering services and nuclear company.
Energy Northwest recently announced an agreement with Amazon and X-energy to develop four to 12 SMRs.
“AtkinsRéalis possesses extensive technical expertise on developing complex energy projects, which makes them an ideal partner," said Greg Cullen, Vice President for Energy Services & Development at Energy Northwest. “This collaboration not only supports the proposed development of next-generation nuclear technology, but will bring lasting benefits to our region, including job creation, economic growth, and clean, firm and reliable energy."
Under the Owner's Engineering Services Contract, AtkinsRéalis will support the design, licensing, construction and commissioning of the SMR project.
Work will be supported by the recently opened state-of-the-art 32,000 ft2 AtkinsRéalis Technology Center in Richland, Wash. The ATC is a fully integrated engineering and technology facility dedicated to advancement and testing of technical innovations.
Energy Northwest has just begun a multi-year feasibility phase agreement with Amazon, which will focus on comprehensive environmental, safety, permitting, licensing and risk analyses. If the project is approved, the next phase will lead to submission of a construction permit application to build the SMRs.
Energy Northwest owns and operates Columbia Generating Station, the Pacific Northwest's only nuclear generating facility, as well as hydroelectric, wind and solar projects and battery storage.
Energy Northwest, a joint action agency, comprises 28 public power member utilities, serving more than 1.5 million customers.
