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Energy Northwest and Amazon are collaborating to explore the establishment of an advanced nuclear technology facility in Washington, supported by a $25 million state appropriation from the Climate Commitment Act. The initiative follows the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act, which mandates greenhouse gas-free electricity sources by 2045.

The proposed facility, the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, would utilize small modular reactors, each generating approximately 80 MW, totaling 320 MW. Amazon is investing $334 million and will purchase power during the startup phase.

The project has received conditional approval from the Energy Northwest board, pending further approvals from local governing bodies. Concerns about nuclear waste management persist, particularly from local tribes and environmental advocates, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the development process.