nuclear-news

“Small” nuclear reactors for Hartlepool? ONLY THEY ARE NOT SMALL

X-energy Advanced Nuclear Reactor plan for Hartlepool

28th July , By Gavin Engelbrecht, https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/26408533.x-energy-xe-100-advanced-nuclear-reactor-hartlepool/

A leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors, who is targeting a site in Hartlepool, recently took a big step forward by starting the Design Assessment process for its Xe-100 reactor.

The move marks a significant milestone in X-energy and Centrica’s efforts to deploy up to 6 GW of new nuclear in the United Kingdom.

X-energy has been in active dialogue with UK regulatory authorities since 2024, and the company’s latest submission builds on its U.S. licensing progress.

It has now officially submitted its Xe-100 advanced nuclear reactor to the critical, formal regulatory pathway required to license new nuclear technologies in the UK.

In partnership with Centrica, Hartlepool remains the preferred first site for a 12-unit (960 MWe) power plant.

The first project alone is estimated to bring thousands of high-quality, long-term jobs to the local area where needs are greatest.

The regulatory assessment – administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency – is expected to conclude by the end of 2029, keeping the project on track for deployment.

“Advanced Modular Reactors like the Xe-100 are the cornerstone of Britain’s future energy security, and would bring clean, reliable power as well as renewed opportunities for British industry,” said Alistair Black, Vice President and UK Market Lead at X-energy.

“We welcome the Regulators’ recent steps towards a more efficient GDA process, and look forward to working collaboratively to support an efficient, thorough review.

“GDA submission marks an important milestone in bringing our technology to the UK on a fleet-scale, with the potential to create thousands of high-quality jobs where needs are greatest.”

The Xe-100 is an 80 MWe HTGR deployed in four-or-twelve-unit plants, capable of providing both electricity, and high-temperature heat and steam for industrial applications.

In September 2025, X-energy and Centrica signed a Joint Development Agreement for the UK’s first advanced nuclear fleet, targeting 6 GW nationwide with Hartlepool identified as the preferred first site for a 12-unit/960 MWe Xe-100 plant.

That project is currently advancing through the UK Government’s Advanced Nuclear Pipeline assessment.

July 30, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Small Modular Nuclear Reactors