Chemical Companies Interests in the Use of Nuclear Energy

Interest in using nuclear energy to replace energy generated by fossil fuels is being reflected by a few chemical companies in their public announcements and annual reports.  A major reason for this interest is the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Arkema stresses in its 2021 annual report that 33% of its total electricity used in 2021 came from nuclear energy versus 37% from fossil fuels and 18% from renewables. 

Dow Chemical’s management has announced recently that the company expects to employ a small modular reactor within a few years at one of its chemical production’s sites. 

Kemira has invested in a Finnish nuclear plant in order to increase its use of nuclear energy in its electricity requirements.  Kemira is projecting that its electricity use in Finland, now approximately 40% provided by nuclear energy, will increase to approximately 75% provided by nuclear energy in the coming years.

Synthos is partnering with the nuclear energy company, GE-Hitachi, in developing small modular reactor use at its chemical sites in Poland. 

The technical developments of small modular reactors apparently is progressing significantly to where their use at chemical plants is being seriously considered, e.g., by Dow and Synthos.  A World Nuclear Association report provides details on the use of small modular reactors in such applications as at chemical plants.   Click here to read that report.