Core Insights - Aecon Group Inc. is collaborating with Kiewit and Black & Veatch through a joint venture named Cascade Nuclear Partners to design, plan, and construct the first four of twelve Xe-100 small modular reactors (SMR) in partnership with Energy Northwest [1][3][6] Group 1: Project Overview - The Xe-100 SMR, developed by X-energy, will provide 80 megawatts of electricity per reactor, with the first phase generating up to 320 megawatts from four modules [2] - The project will be located near Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station in Richland, WA, and is expected to begin construction by the end of the decade, with operations targeted for the 2030s [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Importance - This project represents a significant step for Aecon in expanding its nuclear energy portfolio in the U.S. and globally, highlighting the company's strategic focus on nuclear opportunities [3][4] - The selection of Cascade Nuclear Partners is seen as a strategic milestone, reflecting confidence in their specialized knowledge and collaborative approach [6] Group 3: Industry Context - Aecon is currently involved in delivering North America's first grid-scale SMR through the Darlington New Nuclear Project and is executing the three largest nuclear refurbishments in North America [6] - The collaboration aims to set a new standard for nuclear energy infrastructure, contributing to the development of reliable, carbon-free power solutions in the Pacific Northwest [7][8]