Construction and procurement: The $48.2 million contract with Clark for Phase 2A of the TX-1 construction—which is expected to begin in September—includes completion of the core and shell of the 214,812-square-foot facility. X-energy has also announced that the Department of Energy has approved approximately $30 million in additional funding for early procurement of “critical long-lead equipment and materials to support the successful delivery of subsequent construction phases and ensure adherence to the overall project schedule.”
TX-1 and TRISO-X: According to X-energy, TX-1 will be “the first Category 2 Fuel Fabrication Facility licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States,” adding that TRISO-X “continues to engage closely with the NRC to support an efficient and thorough review and anticipates regulatory approval by May 2026.”
The TX-1 facility will have an estimated output of 5 metric tons of uranium, or 700,000 TRISO pebbles, per year, the company said—enough fuel for as many as 11 Xe-100 reactors. Its development of the Xe-100 is part of the DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).
Amazon partnership: X-energy is also continuing to advance its second Xe-100 project, with Energy Northwest and Amazon. The company noted that it has a “larger strategy with Amazon to bring more than five gigawatts of new power projects on line by 2039.”
Political support: X-energy’s announcement about the contract with Clark garnered support from Tennessee politicians. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn said, “X-energy’s investment in Oak Ridge is a major win for Tennessee and a critical step in securing America’s energy future. Tennessee is leading the way in advanced nuclear technology, and this milestone project will create jobs, boost American energy independence, and strengthen our national security.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty said, “I am pleased to see that Tennessee and Oak Ridge continue to be at the forefront of our country’s nuclear leadership. This is an exciting announcement, and I congratulate X-energy and all of those involved. This $48.2 million investment will create new jobs, further investments, and advance energy production.”
