X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy” or the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, TRISO-X LLC (“TRISO-X”), today announced the selection of Clark Construction Group to complete the building construction phase of its first-in-the-nation advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility (“TX-1”) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. TX-1 is the first of two planned facilities at X-energy’s site in Oak Ridge that will manufacture X-energy’s proprietary tristructural-isotropic (“TRISO”) fuel for X-energy’s first commercial deployment of the Xe-100 in partnership with the Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) on the Texas Gulf Coast, as well as subsequent deployments.

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A rendering of X-energy’s TX-1 advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The $48.2 million award is part of X-energy's participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”), and encompasses the Phase 2A of the facility construction, including the completion of the core and shell of the 214,812 square foot facility. Construction on this next phase is expected to begin in September following the completion of site preparation work. In parallel, X-energy has also received approval from the Department of Energy to authorize an additional approximately $30 million 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.

“This milestone marks another step forward in ensuring a secure, domestic supply of fuel for the next generation of nuclear reactors,” said Joel Duling, President of TRISO-X. “TX-1 will be the first facility of its kind in the nation, addressing a critical gap in the current U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, and bolstering U.S. energy independence with American technology and innovation.”

Speaking on the announcement, members of Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation highlighted the significance of the TX-1 facility and expressed strong support for its role in advancing American energy independence and innovation:

“X-energy’s investment in Oak Ridge is a major win for Tennessee and a critical step in securing America’s energy future,” said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn. “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.”

“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.” said U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty.

“Congratulations to X-energy on their continued success in the nuclear industry. Nuclear energy is the past, present, and future, and Oak Ridge is its birthplace. I am proud to represent Oak Ridge in Congress, and it continues to attract the world’s brightest minds. As Chair of the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, it is my mission for America to lead the world in nuclear innovation,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.

Once complete, TX-1 will be the first Category 2 Fuel Fabrication Facility licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) in the United States with an estimated output of 5 metric tons of uranium (“MTU”) or 700,000 TRISO pebbles per year, enough fuel for up to 11 Xe-100 reactors. In parallel to the construction process, TRISO-X continues to engage closely with the NRC to support an efficient and thorough review and anticipates regulatory approval by May 2026. TRISO fuel has been described by the Department of Energy as, “the most robust nuclear fuel in the world,” designed to withstand temperatures far beyond those reached during operating or upset conditions.

X-energy is advancing its initial Xe-100 plant at Dow Inc.’s UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing site on the Texas Gulf Coast. Once complete, the plant is expected to provide the site with safe, reliable, and clean power and industrial steam. X-energy is also advancing its second plant with Energy Northwest in collaboration with Amazon. This project is part of a larger strategy with Amazon to bring more than five gigawatts of new power projects online by 2039, furthering the company’s mission to provide scalable, secure, clean energy solutions that meet the growing demand for energy across the U.S. and around the world.

About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on X or LinkedIn.

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TX-1 will be the first facility of its kind in the nation, addressing a critical gap in the current U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, and bolstering U.S. energy independence with American technology and innovation.