Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring our national security. To make the products we use every day, industries such as chemicals, oil refining, steel, cement, and mining require immense amounts of continuous, high-temperature heat and steam to power operations and industrial equipment. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) like X-energy’s Xe-100, are able to provide this heat and steam in abundance, offering a reliable, clean energy solution that ensures industrial operations can run 24/7 without disruption.
Why Manufacturing Can Adopt New Energy Technologies
Production lines require constant, high-temperature heat and steam, and nuclear is the sole clean generation source capable of providing it at scale. X-energy’s Xe-100 High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) is designed to deliver 565°C steam for industrial applications, making it an ideal power source for heavy industry. The Xe-100 operates continuously, ensuring that manufacturers remain competitive, productive, and energy independent.
HTGRs and the Promise of X-energy’s Xe-100 for Manufacturing
Unlike conventional water-cooled nuclear reactors, HTGRs are designed to deliver high outlet temperatures, often above 500°C (in the case of X-energy’s Xe-100, up to 565°C steam). The Xe-100 reactor can produce up to 80 megawatts of electric power (MWe) and/or up to 200 megawatts of high-temperature thermal output (MWt), depending on the customer’s needs. This high-temperature output produces the steam required for industrial processes, offering a clean and reliable alternative to conventional generating sources.
Key features of the Xe-100 include:
Safety-First Design: It uses TRISO-X fuel, a proprietary version of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) coated particles designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Multi-unit Reliability: The Xe-100can rapidly ramp its power levels up or down, helping industries adapt to fluctuating demands or integrate with intermittent renewables.
Modular Scalability: Each reactor module can be built in a controlled factory setting and shipped to the deployment site, reducing construction time and assembly common to large-scale conventional reactors.
High-Temperature Heat for Industrial Processes
One of the most compelling advantages of HTGRs for heavy industry is their capacity to supply high-temperature steam and heat.. This continuous, carbon-free supply of thermal energy can be integrated into processes like:
Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals: Refineries require large volumes of superheated steam for distillation and chemical reactions. HTGRs can provide combined heat and power with zero emissions.
Steelmaking: Traditionally reliant on coal or natural gas for heat and reducing agents, steel production can also utilize advanced nuclear for both heat and electrical generation..
Mining & Mineral Processing: Operations in remote areas often use diesel generators for heat and power. A compact SMR or microreactor could cut emissions and logistical challenges by running on long-lasting nuclear fuel rather than a constant diesel supply.
Seadrift: A Real-World Example of Industrial Applications
A prime example of advanced nuclear potential in heavy industry is unfolding through Dow’s Seadrift site in Texas. X-energy and Dow have partnered to deploy four Xe-100 SMRs at this large chemical manufacturing facility on the U.S. Gulf Coast, the first advanced nuclear deploymentat an industrial site in North America.
Paving the way to Progress: Dow and X-energy have collaborated closely since first announcing their partnership in 2021, and continue to make progress towards the deployment, recently submitting a Construction Permit Application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commssion..
Sustainable Industrial Growth: This project would demonstrate how advanced nuclear reactors can support major industrial operations without compromising output or reliability.
A Blueprint for Others: Manufacturers worldwide could replicate this model, reducing emissions with cutting-edge technology while accelerating global momentum for next-generation nuclear technologies.
For more on this milestone project, see “A Year of Progress at Seadrift” on X-energy’s blog.
Repurposing Coal Facilities to Keep U.S. Manufacturing Competitive
Another advantage of smaller, intrinsically safe reactors is the possibility of repurposing former coal plant sites. These sites already have grid connections, water permits, and an experienced energy workforce.
According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy, reusing coal infrastructure can save 15–35% in construction costs. This reduces costs for new nuclear facilities and supports communities by keeping or creating local jobs in advanced manufacturing and plant operations.
Modernizing Manufacturing Without Compromising Output
As heavy industry grapples with how to reduce emissions and maintain the continuous, high-quality heat and power essential for production, advanced nuclear power has emerged as an attractive solution.
High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) like the Xe-100 offer a safe, modular, and carbon-free energy source that can scale to meet large industrial loads. From supporting hydrogen production to repurposing retiring coal sites, advanced nuclear presents a unique opportunity to enhance and expand clean manufacturing for the future.
By integrating next-generation nuclear into their long-term manufacturing strategies, industry can balance the opportunity to reduce emissions with the practical requirements of maintaining continuous operations and product output. Advanced nuclear power isn’t just for electricity; it’s the high-temperature, 24/7 steam and power solution that heavy industry has been waiting for.
Important Questions
1. How do small modular reactors (SMRs) differ from traditional large reactors?
SMRs, like X-energy’s Xe-100, are smaller in size and output, typically between 50 and 300 MWe per module, allowing for modular construction and easier financing. They can be built in factories and shipped to sites in segments, helping reduce both costs and construction timelines.
2. Why is high-temperature heat so important for heavy industry?
Many industrial processes (e.g., chemical manufacturing, steelmaking, refining) need reliable steam supplies at very high temperatures. Traditionally, this heat comes from burning fossil fuels. Advanced nuclear reactors can deliver the same level of heat with zero emissions.
3. Is advanced nuclear power safe?
Yes. Advanced nuclear reactors incorporate numerous intrinsic safety features. X-energy’s Xe-100, for instance, uses TRISO-X fuel, which is designed not to melt even under extreme conditions. The physics-driven safety design ensures the reactor naturally slows down or shuts off if cooling is lost.
4. Can advanced nuclear reactors replace coal-fired plants?
Yes. One major advantage of smaller reactors is that they can often be sited at existing coal facilities, reusing infrastructure and saving 15–35% in construction costs (according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates). This helps local communities adopt clean energy technologies while preserving jobs.
5. How does nuclear power help with hydrogen production?
Hydrogen is already a major commodity in manufacturing, fertilizer production, chemical production, and oil refining, and it will play a major role in decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and commercial shipping. Hydrogen is currently reliant on fossil fuels for production. Advanced reactors like the Xe-100 supply can provide the necessary energy to power electrolyzers and produce hydrogen without creating carbon emission.
6. Aren’t nuclear plants expensive?
While large, conventional nuclear plants have historically been capital-intensive, SMRs aim to reduce costs and construction timelines through modular designs and factory assembly. Tax credits and government incentives in the U.S. and other countries further improve the economic case for advanced nuclear.
7. Does advanced nuclear create a lot of waste?
All nuclear technology produces some level of spent fuel, but modern reactor designs like the Xe-100 are more fuel-efficient, generating less waste per unit of energy. The durable TRISO-X particles also simplify handling and reduce the possibility of radiation release.
8. Where can I learn more about X-energy’s technology?
Visit X-energy’s official website to explore details about the Xe-100 reactor, TRISO-X fuel, and related initiatives. You’ll find resources on safety, performance, and the company’s vision for a carbon-free future in power and heavy industry.
9. Who is Building SMRs?
X-energy is leading the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with the Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Designed for safety, efficiency, and scalability, the Xe-100 uses our proprietary TRISO-X fuel, making it one of the most reliable and advanced SMRs available.
