X-energy Engages with the International Atomic Energy Agency to Integrate International Safeguards into Xe-100 Design

Safeguards by Design for the Xe-100 is a task under the Canadian Safeguards Support Program

X-energy is proactively engaged in Safeguards by Design (SBD) planning with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Representatives from X-energy visited the IAEA offices in Vienna, Austria, last month to meet with members of the Department of Safeguards through the Member State Support Program (MSSP). The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is facilitating the engagement between X-energy and the IAEA as part of the Canadian Safeguards Support Program (CSSP) task on safeguards-by-design for small modular reactors.

“These important meetings allow for an open exchange of information with the IAEA to enhance X-energy’s awareness of safeguard needs and obligations in support of international deployments of the Xe-100,” said Dr. Martin van Staden, X-energy’s senior vice president for the Xe-100, a high temperature gas-cooled reactor developed through decades of research, development, and operating experience.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the IAEA and CNSC to review international safeguards for our Xe-100 reactor design. We are leading the deployment of next-generation nuclear on a global stage by committing to develop solutions that meet international safeguards. This is a voluntary undertaking that demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the Xe-100 is designed to easily implement international safeguards.”

IAEA safeguards are a series of independent measures coordinated between countries, such as Canada and the IAEA, which verify compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). X-energy is working on safeguard requirements in advance of final design and construction to de-risk international deployment of this advanced nuclear technology. We are building safeguards into the system, rather than around it afterwards. This results in a number of potential advantages, including:

  • Reduced burden on operators, and the IAEA, by optimizing inspections;

  • Enhanced use of advanced technologies, such as unattended monitoring systems and remote data transmission;

  • Reduced risk of costly retrofitting in support of international deployments;

  • Joint use of equipment;

  • Increased flexibility for future installation of safeguards equipment; and

  • Reduced risk to cost, scope and schedule.

“By working with the IAEA at an early stage in reactor design, safeguards considerations can be embedded into the design of these reactors, so that nuclear verification can be performed in the most effective and efficient way with minimal burden on the operator,” said Jeremy Whitlock, Senior Technical Advisor at the IAEA Department of Safeguards, in a 2021 article on the IAEA’s website.

X-energy’s Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (“HTGR”) technology can power a broad range of applications through its high-temperature heat and steam output that can be integrated into and address the needs of large regional electricity providers as well as industrial manufacturing systems. Each module can provide 80 megawatts of full-time electricity. X-energy’s innovative and simplified modular design is road-shippable and intended to drive scalability, accelerate construction timelines and create more predictable and manageable construction costs.

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 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 conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

About the International Atomic Energy Agency

The IAEA serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear power worldwide. It maintains several programs that encourage the development of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, science, and technology; provides international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials; and promotes and implement nuclear safety and nuclear security standards.

About the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public. The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm’s length from government, independent from any political, government or private sector influence.

The Advantages of Nuclear Energy

With the ability to deliver safe, reliable energy with zero carbon emissions, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a solution for drastically reducing our greenhouse gas footprint and mitigating global warming. 

From the general public to governments throughout the world, the nuclear energy advantages are becoming more apparent in the transition to clean, high output energy. 

The primary advantages of nuclear energy include:

  1. Clean

  2. Safe

  3. Reliable

  4. Affordable

Overview of Nuclear Energy and How It Works

Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient way to produce energy and generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions.

Fuel made of uranium is placed in a reactor and generates heat through nuclear fission. This heat is then used to create steam, which can be used for high-temperature industrial processes or to power turbines to generate electricity.

Nuclear energy remains a significant player in the global energy market, with improvements  to ensure its safety, particularly through the use of advanced nuclear technology.

The Benefits of Nuclear Energy

1. Clean

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world today, which has escalated the need for a clean energy transition.

One option that is increasingly gaining traction is nuclear energy, is a viable energy source and has the potential to play a critical role in mitigating global greenhouse gas emissions.

Advanced nuclear energy is an environmentally friendly option given its ability to conserve water. Unlike conventional power plants, advanced nuclear power plants like the Xe-100 use far less water since they do not need additional water to cool the reactor.

This is beneficial in areas that are prone to droughts or water scarcity, relieving the pressure on water supplies.

Moreover, nuclear power plants contribute to significantly less air pollution. They don't produce the emissions that are hazardous to both human health and the environment.

2. Safe

Nuclear power plants are subject to some of the most stringent safety regulations of any industrial sector. These regulations cover every aspect of plant operation, from design and construction to maintenance and decommissioning.

In addition, advanced nuclear power facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies meant to prevent accidents and minimize their impact if they occur. 

These safety measures include emergency cooling systems, backup power sources, and other safeguards designed to protect both the nuclear reactor and the surrounding area in the event of an accident.

Advanced SMRs also have lower reactor power density and a self-regulating core design. This means that the core is designed to shut down if cooling stops and is intended to prevent the reactor from melting under foreseeable adverse conditions without action by the operator. 

Because of this, the emergency planning zone for advanced SMRs can be at the site boundary, allowing the technology to be located closer to population centers and industrial facilities that require process heat. 

Safety is also a top priority in the nuclear industry, and ongoing research and development are focused on improving safety even further. This includes research into new reactor designs, safety systems, and accident mitigation strategies.

3. Reliable

While renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have increased and will continue to become a greater share of the global energy supply, they are constrained by their inability to provide consistent base-load electricity power due to their intermittency.

Advanced small modular reactors, on the other hand, have load-following capabilities and are designed to ramp up or ramp down based on customer needs.

Nuclear energy is one of the most reliable and consistent sources of energy, as stated by the United States Department of Energy.

Rising energy consumption and the increased focus on decarbonization create a significant requirement for nuclear energy's carbon-free, always-on generation.

Nuclear power facilities can run continuously for long periods of time without needing frequent maintenance or refueling.

As a result, they can consistently supply electrical grids with uninterruptible electricity. Because of this, grid managers can plan and manage the supply of electricity more effectively.

4. Affordable

Nuclear energy is a cost-effective alternative to traditional sources of power and offers a reliable source of electricity.

Advanced small modular reactors are largely factory built and road-shippable, which reduces on-site work and results in better cost predictability and more efficient quality control.

Conventional large-scale nuclear facilities, however, have high upfront capital costs due to their large size, substantial containment structures, and longer construction times. 

The cost of nuclear fuel, which is primarily based on uranium, is also relatively low compared to other fossil fuels and natural gas. This means that the cost of fuel makes up a relatively small portion of the total cost of generating electricity at a nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plants also have operational lifetimes up to 60 years, resulting in a relatively low cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced.

Due to their extended lifespan, the initial cost of establishing a nuclear power station can be distributed over a more extended period, making nuclear energy a cost-effective option.

How Countries are Utilizing Nuclear Energy Technology for Sustainable Development

Several countries, communities, and public bodies have adopted nuclear power as an alternative source of energy and a means to achieve sustainable development. 

In recent years, there has also been significant developments in nuclear technology. One of the most notable advancements has been the use of small modular nuclear reactors, which are mobile and can provide energy to remote areas.

In fact, advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) –  specifically, high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) like X-energy’s Xe-100 – have several inherent advantages over other carbon-free power generation, including existing Generation III SMR and conventional large-scale technologies.

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.

X-energy 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.

For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Investing in Our Planet: Earth Day and Beyond

This year, the organizers of Earth Day challenged the occasion’s more than 1 billion celebrants to do more than just take to social media or raise awareness. They asked governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens around the world to take actionable steps to “Invest in Our Planet.” 

Here at X-energy, we’re already on it. Investing in our planet is more than just a theme, slogan, or a once-a-year celebration—it’s a core tenet of our company. 

We understand that amidst undeniable climate disruption, life hasn’t stopped. People all over the world still need to heat their homes, keep their lights on, charge their appliances, and maintain access to the goods and services they rely on. And those energy needs will only continue to grow. In fact, energy demand is expected to increase by 50% by 2050. 

While solar, wind, and hydro are all part of the solution, they lack the power needed to generate base-load energy, support heavy industries, and power the grid. Nuclear energy is the solution to bridge that gap. Here at X-energy, we have created the advanced nuclear technology needed to complement renewables and accelerate progress to reduce global emissions.

And soon, we will see this investment in action. This spring, we announced a groundbreaking partnership with Dow, the world's leading materials science company, to develop a four-unit Xe-100 facility at one of Dow's U.S. Gulf Coast sites. These investments will not only serve as a leading example of how the industrial sector can effectively reduce emissions, it will prove the unique value and safety of nuclear, once and for all. 

Currently, only 10% of all electricity comes from nuclear, but X-energy is positioned to change that. Our Xe-100 is scalable, easily transportable, and meltdown proof, and our science is trusted and tested. X-energy has been awarded more than $80 million from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), and the Inflation Reduction Act further affirmed the confidence and potential in advanced nuclear. 

Not only will our reactors help curb the release of emissions in the long-term, they will have immediate, positive environmental impacts, too. Our advanced reactors occupy less land, require less water, and utilize a self-contained fuel source to better manage waste.

Through meaningful investments in innovative solutions, we have the power – and ability - to chart the future. The work we are doing at X-energy is proof we can meet growing energy demands while reducing emissions. This Earth Day, and every Earth Day to come, we are committed to doing our part to create a better world for all.  

X-energy Shines at Summit Featuring Advanced Energy Projects

X-energy spent time in the spotlight last month at a summit featuring high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are part of the government’s ARPA-E program.

[left to right: Sarai Neloms (X-energy), Dr. Evelyn Wang (Director of ARPA-E), Henry Brannan (X-energy), Jennifer Granholm (Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy), Ian Davis (X-energy)]

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) helps advance technologies on the cusp of private sector investment and focused on new ways to generate, store, and use energy. The Department of Energy funds the program to help bridge the gap from the research and development phase to commercialization.

The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit (March 22-24 in National Harbor, Md.) attracted thousands of participants and featured more than 400 technology booths – including X-energy’s showcase for our Xe-100 reactor and TRISO-X fuel. X-energy’s booth also featured our progress on a “digital twin” project aimed as streamlining operations and maintenance in advanced nuclear plants.

“It was a really great opportunity to highlight the ways X-energy has leveraged ARPA-E for development of innovative applications around nuclear energy,” said Ian Davis, Plant M&D Engineering Manager. “We were asked us to participate in several tech demos and had a lot of high-profile visitors stop by our booth. It was exciting to showcase everything we’ve built since receiving the ARPA-E award nearly three years ago.”

Among the visitors to X-energy’s booth at the summit were: U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm; DOE Deputy Secretary David Turk; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee.

In 2020, the DOE awarded X-energy $6 million from the ARPA-E program to support the company’s operational innovations in the Xe-100 nuclear power plants. The Xe-100 uses high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology and is powered by proprietary TRISO-X fuel pebbles that are designed to be meltdown proof. 

X-energy is using the funding to leverage advanced technologies – including automation, robotics, remote and centralized maintenance, and monitoring – to optimize staffing plans and plant operations.

[left to right: Sarai Neloms (X-energy), Henry Brannan (X-energy), Wes Moore (Governor of Maryland), Ian Davis (X-energy)]

[left to right: Ian Davis (X-energy), David Turk (Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy), Henry Brannan (X-energy)]

[left to right: Ian Davis (X-energy), Wes Moore (Governor of Maryland)]

[left to right: Chuck Fleischmann (Congressman for Tennessee’s Third District, and also Chairman of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee), Ian Davis (X-energy)]

2022 Year in Review

X-energy was founded in 2009 with the goal to create clean, safe, secure, and affordable energy. And now, 13 years later, amidst unpredictable energy prices, rising instability abroad, ever-increasing demands on the grid, and the mounting pressure of climate change, this mission is more important than ever.

2022 Year in Review

X-energy was founded in 2009 with the goal to create clean, safe, secure, and affordable energy. And now, 13 years later, amidst unpredictable energy prices, rising instability abroad, ever-increasing demands on the grid, and the mounting pressure of climate change, this mission is more important than ever.

This year, X-energy made perhaps its biggest strides yet in pursuit of this goal. Between new deals with global energy providers, the groundbreaking of the United States’ first advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility, and plans to decarbonize heavy industries, we are closer to a clean, domestically sourced, and sustainable future than ever before.

At X-energy, we are incredibly proud of the growth and progress that our company has made in 2022. We know that our work will help create a better, more sustainable, more livable world – not just for Americans, but for all.

When we reflect on 2022, we will remember this as a year of key milestones in X-energy’s journey to revitalize the future of nuclear. Over the past 12 months alone, X-energy sited, began construction, and received licensing for the United States’ first-ever High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) based fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn. This facility will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and funnel millions of dollars into eastern Tennessee, while also allowing America to reshape the nuclear supply chain, enabling us to produce more than eight metric tons of advanced nuclear fuel per year and ultimately take control of our energy future.

And as we build out crucial supply chains and production capabilities, others are recognizing the promise of X-energy technologies, too. This past year, we signed development partnerships with UK-based Cavendish Nuclear and Canadian nuclear operator Ontario Power Generation. As pressure to decarbonize grids intensifies, the deployment of our clean and efficient fuels and reactors will help reduce emissions and enable countries around the world to meet ambitious climate goals.

We know that reducing global emissions requires us to do more than just decarbonize the grid. To reach true climate neutrality, heavy industries will also need to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels. And for a long time, this was an insurmountable challenge; the production of many crucial materials requires high heat that cannot be produced by other renewable energy sources. In 2022, X-energy presented a solution to this problem.

In August, X-energy announced a collaboration with Dow, a global leader in manufacturing and a longstanding leader in materials science. Our partnership with Dow will help the company become carbon neutral by 2050, halt the release of thousands of tons of carbon into the atmosphere, and serve as a model for other leaders of heavy industry. This is possible because, in addition to being able to support energy grids on a large scale, our high-temperature gas reactors can create enough power to support industrial applications. Ultimately, this will play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable world.

Finally, in August of this past year Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. With ample tax credits for advanced and small modular reactors, this legislation affirmed what all of us at X-energy already knew: nuclear is the future. We have faith of our nation’s elected leaders – across both political parties – to support our products and our mission to help accomplish critical sustainability goals for the planet.

As we’ve taken on and conquered challenge after challenge, X-energy had to grow and adapt, too. Our headcount surpassed more than 400 people, significantly amplifying our capabilities. With some of the best and the brightest minds in the industry on our team, we are ready to solve the biggest challenges of our time – with expertise, experience and hard work. And given the enthusiasm surrounding our announcement that X-energy is going public, it seems that others agree.

As the clock ticks down on this record-breaking year, we want to thank all who made our success possible this year, and we look forward to what 2023 will bring.

Global energy demand is anticipated to grow over 50% in the next 30 years: How do we get there together?

This week, leaders from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to an industry where the U.S. is an emerging leader and discuss one of the most promising solutions to our growing and shifting energy needs: nuclear energy.

Global energy demand is anticipated to grow over 50% in the next 30 years: How do we get there together?

This week, leaders from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to an industry where the U.S. is an emerging leader and discuss one of the most promising solutions to our growing and shifting energy needs: nuclear energy.

At the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, the focus has been be on the role that nuclear energy, particularly around U.S. providers, can play in mitigating climate change, and the heightened urgency on the matter given geopolitical realities and the impacts of climate change on global energy security.

More directly, if we want to reach net zero by 2050, we must consider nuclear as an uninterruptable clean-energy companion to renewable sources like wind and solar.  Advanced nuclear energy has long been promised as the strongest way to reduce carbon emissions. It is the best and fastest way to meet the needs of all high-heat industries to drive deep decarbonization across the planet and the U.S. and global economies.

Nuclear currently contributes nearly one-fifth of all electricity generated in the U.S. and is the biggest single source of power that does not directly create carbon emissions. And, new innovative technology advancements make nuclear poised to play an even greater role in fighting climate change while still providing enough power to sustain growing demand across industries.

At X-energy, we are rising to that challenge. Earlier this month we broke ground on the first commercial advanced nuclear fuel facility to be built in North America. And in doing so we are helping build a more robust and secure energy supply chain which is critical to supporting the diversification and deployment of nuclear energy on an historic scale.

To be clear, there is no silver bullet solution that solves for climate change. That is why it is important to have an ‘all options on the table’ approach which can address our most pressing energy and environmental concerns. For example, it’s no longer renewables or nuclear – it’s renewables and nuclear. While solar and wind energy power generation are limited by the time of day and weather conditions, nuclear power generation is 24/7. The transition to net-zero should not be limited by cloud cover, nighttime, and weather.

Nuclear can – and will - complement other renewable energy sources. Nuclear output can be adjusted to meet different levels of energy demand, and SMRs can be paired with renewables in a hybrid system. It is an emissions free and stable source of power that promotes geographic flexibility and energy independence.

This week, with leaders from around the world gathered in our nation’s capital, the emphasis was added to the fact that to meet climate goals while also increasing energy independence and reliability, nuclear must be and remain a central part of the conversation.

X-energy and the entire U.S. nuclear energy industry can do our part in mitigating climate change across the globe, putting reliable energy solutions in reach for countries, utilities, and communities, and bringing more security to the world.