AEP, Amazon and X-energy explore Indiana nuclear project

AEP has announced a joint development agreement with X-energy, with Amazon supporting the project through a funding agreement, to evaluate a 960 MW advanced nuclear project in Sullivan County, Indiana.

• The companies will assess the feasibility of constructing 12 Xe-100 units of 80 MW each at the former Breed Generating Station site; Amazon intends to buy the power under a long-term contract if the project advances to final investment decision, construction, and commercial operation.
• AEP says the project is being explored with capital protections and financial safeguards; the site is in Sullivan County, which recently joined Indiana’s Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program, and the company frames the effort as supporting grid reliability and economic development.