Design-builder appointed for Amazon-backed small modular reactor plant

Energy Northwest said it has selected Cascade Nuclear Partners (CNP), a JV between Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, Black& Veatch, and Aecon, to design and build the planned Cascade Advanced Energy Facility.

The partners will deliver the first phase of the project under a progressive design-build (PDB) model, helping to define scope, schedule and costs before moving to full execution.

Each of the four Xe-100 high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors, developed by X-energy, will generate 80MW of electricity, providing a combined output of 320MW. The long-term plan allows for up to 12 units to be built on the site, located next to Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station.

The SMR project builds on a multi-year agreement announced in 2024 between Energy Northwest and Amazon to support environmental, safety, permitting and licensing work.

A construction permit application will be submitted to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission once the analysis phase is complete. Construction is expected to begin before the end of the decade, with operations targeted for the 2030s.

The partners involved in the construction of the SMRs have not revealed what the project will cost, although previous estimates have put the price tag at around the US$2 billion mark.

Energy Northwest chief executive Bob Schuetz said, “Selecting Cascade Nuclear Partners is a strategic milestone for this project, one that is built on a foundation of proven excellence. Their deep expertise in nuclear construction, along with a collaborative delivery and strong alignment with Energy Northwest values ensures we have the best team in place to deliver this critical project successfully.”