On Thursday, Grant County’s Public Utility District agreed to take a giant leap forward towards ensuring carbon-free energy by 2045.

The utility signed a memorandum of understanding, which establishes a mutual partnership between it, Energy Northwest, and X-energy. //

The reactor has the potential to generate up to 320 megawatts of reliable, carbon-free energy.

Through the TRi Energy Partnership, the parties will evaluate each step of the project and identify the best approach to licensing, permitting, construction, operation, and ownership. //

As Washington state implements the Clean Energy Transformation Act – requiring 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045, new sources of reliable, affordable and emissions-free electricity will be needed across the region," said Brad Sawatzke, Energy Northwest chief executive officer. "Advanced nuclear energy can and should play a vital role in our state's clean energy future: it does not emit greenhouse gases, is available around-the-clock, pairs well with renewables, and provides numerous benefits essential to grid reliability."