The pre-licensing review is one of many activities underway as X-energy plans for a Canadian SMR program to bring clean energy solutions to communities across Canada and the world
TORONTO –X-energy has initiated a Vendor Design Review (VDR) for its Xe-100 small modular reactor (SMR) design with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
In preparing to site the advanced nuclear technology reactors in Canada, with partners across the Canadian supply chain, X-energy has found the ideal environment to develop and deploy the 80 MWe reactors, scalable to a 320 MWe four-unit plant, to meet the world’s growing need for clean energy solutions.
The Xe-100 design gives Canada a world-class advanced nuclear technology to meet Canada’s clean energy goals. The reactor brings baseload power and load-following to electricity systems that include intermittent renewables and can provide energy self-sufficiency for remote communities meeting electricity, heating and needs such as water desalination. Furthermore, the high-temperature steam and co-generation features make it ideal as a carbon-free source for hydrogen production, mining and other resource projects.
“It transforms how we think about optimizing energy systems,” says X-energy Country Manager Katherine Moshonas Cole. “The Xe-100 can serve as a catalyst for development of a Canadian SMR industry that will be a world leader, to provide accessible, affordable, safe and reliable energy, wherever it is needed globally.”
In entering the CNSC’s optional VDR process, X-energy takes an important step toward this goal. The reactor design builds on decades of High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) operation and R&D. As a result, the VDR submissions reflect a well-advanced design based on inherent and passive safety. Due to the advanced state of design, the VDR is a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 review.
Kinectrics will lead X-energy’s Canadian regulatory affairs and licensing efforts. A company whose roots in Canada can be traced back more than 100 years, Kinectrics has built a global enterprise on the strength of its reputation for electricity sector expertise and its commitment to business excellence.
The advance regulatory review will demonstrate X-energy’s understanding of Canadian requirements and confirm there are no fundamental licensing barriers for the Xe-100 in Canada. The process will also provide the company valuable early feedback to further strengthen its design.
The combination of Canada’s progressive, risk-informed regulatory framework and its well-established supply chain make Canada an ideal place to site X-energy’s first reactor and to create partnerships for a world-class SMR export program.
“When you have this incredible stand-out technology, that is a wonderful opportunity. But, it still needs all the expertise and knowledge that takes it through the thousands of steps from design to deployment,” says Moshonas Cole. “The Canadian nuclear industry and the communities that have helped build it can realize this next generation of technology and make a difference today and for the future.”
About X-energy
X-energy is redefining nuclear energy. It manufactures fuel that seals uranium particles in a protective coating, which makes meltdown impossible and retains the waste inside forever. X-energy also designs plants that unlock the fuel's potential in a process that's as clean as wind or solar. When combined, the result is reliable carbon-free baseload power, produced more safely and affordably than ever before and available anywhere, at any time. For more information, visit https://x-energy.com/ or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.
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