A joint venture of three multinational engineering and construction companies with extensive experience in large infrastructure projects is in negotiations to design and build small modular reactors (SMRs) for Energy Northwest. 

The public power generator announced during its Public Power Forum on Oct. 23 it is working with Cascade Nuclear Partners – made up of Black & Veatch, Aecon and Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. – to potentially build the first four of 12 SMRs developed by X-energy for the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility being backed by Amazon.  

“Selecting Cascade Nuclear Partners is a strategic milestone for this project, one that reflects our continued momentum for this project,” said Bob Schuetz, Energy Northwest CEO, in a statement. “Their specialized knowledge in nuclear construction, collaborative approach and strong alignment with Energy Northwest’s values gives us confidence in their ability to help deliver this critical project successfully.” 

The news of the potential construction partner comes one week after Energy Northwest, X-energy and Amazon announced the name for the facility, called “Cascade” for short, and released renderings of the facility. 

If the companies reach a deal, Cascade Nuclear Partners will use a design-build model for the project. This approach allows the firms to begin working with Energy Northwest and X-energy early on. 

Kansas City, Missouri-based Black & Veatch is one of the largest engineering firms in the United States, with $4.7 billion in revenue in 2023. Kiewit’s parent company, based in Omaha, was part of the joint venture that built T-Mobile Park, the home of the Seattle Mariners baseball team. Canadian firm Aecon has helped build several notable landmarks in Canada, such as CN Tower in Toronto, and has experience in energy projects such as hydroelectric dams.