ROCKVILLE, Maryland, July 21, 2022 – X-energy today announced a significant step toward the creation of a unique energy delivery model with the selection of Zachry Group and the combined team of Burns & McDonnell and Day & Zimmermann as constructors to collaborate and work with the company on the next phases of design and deployment of its Xe-100 advanced reactor fleet. To deliver on the anticipated demand for its advanced reactor technology, X-energy selected two world-class constructors able to deliver an optimized construction schedule, standardized advanced work packages, and the latest construction techniques and digital technology. The selection culminates a detailed, year-long process with a host of qualified construction firms having global and scalable experience.
“Selecting and partnering with our constructors this early in the development process is a paradigm shift for the entire nuclear energy industry,” said Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy. “We will collaborate and work side-by-side with these firms to ensure the successful design and delivery of the first and subsequent Xe-100 deployments. This is one of the ways X-energy is leading the new age of nuclear energy, enabling us to deploy safely, with a more cost-effective delivery model for the benefit of our customers.”
X-energy’s Xe-100 is a next generation high-temperature gas reactor built on decades of research, development, and operating experience. Each reactor is engineered to operate as a single 80 MW electric unit and is optimized as a four-unit plant delivering 320 MW electric. The reactor can provide clean, reliable and safe baseload power to an electricity system or support industrial applications with 200 MW thermal output per unit. In 2020, X-energy was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program to deliver a four-unit Xe-100 plant in Washington state, which will make it the first operational grid-scale advanced reactor plant in North America.
Previous new nuclear projects have utilized standard methods of contracting for construction services, with owners often engaging constructors after or in the late stages of project development. Under the X-energy Project Delivery Model (X-PDM), constructors and suppliers work alongside X-energy in all phases of design, equipment supply, fabrication, and construction to develop detailed project costs, project schedules, advanced work plans and four-dimensional modeling prior to the start of safety-related construction. This collaborative approach aims to greatly reduce risk and uncertainty as early as possible.
X-energy selected the two constructors because of their demonstrated commitment to the X-PDM, their use of advanced construction technology, their deep experience in delivering large, complex projects, and willingness to work together and combine their expertise with X-energy to create a fleet of Xe-100 advanced reactors.
“Burns & McDonnell is excited to continue this incredible journey with great companies like Zachry and Day & Zimmermann. Advanced nuclear must be part of our future energy solutions as we decarbonize as a society. The cost of nuclear needs to be competitive in the market and predictable. Bringing advanced construction planning into the development process is the right approach to accomplish the safety, price, schedule and quality needed for this technology,” said Ray Kowalik, Burns & McDonnell CEO.
“In our company’s 120-year history, we have been part of some innovative, groundbreaking projects, but this is one of the most exciting. We believe the integrated, collaborative approach that X-energy has selected is the best model for success and we look forward to working with them and the union Building Trades to safely construct this revolutionary new technology. Day & Zimmermann has long maintained a key role in the U.S. nuclear industry, and we are proud to be part of the team that will deliver the next generation of nuclear technology that will provide reliable carbon-free energy, while contributing to U.S. Energy independence,” said Hal Yoh, Day & Zimmermann Chairman and CEO.
“Zachry Group is excited to build on our relationship with the X-energy team. Supporting the design, development and construction of the Xe-100 fleet is a critical step in decarbonization efforts. We look forward to collaborating and bringing our technology, analysis, engineering and construction capabilities to these next generation, world-class facilities,” said John B. Zachry, Zachry Group Chairman & CEO.
About
X-energy is a nuclear energy innovation company focused on the development of next-generation, zero-carbon nuclear energy. Based in Rockville, Maryland, X-energy designs and deploys advanced nuclear reactors and manufactures its proprietary TRISO-X fuel to improve the delivery of safe, affordable energy to people around the world. To learn more please visit https://x-energy.com/ or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.
Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 10,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, and more to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 60 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.
Day & Zimmermann. When you’ve been around for more than a century, you know a thing or two. At Day & Zimmermann, we take our lifetime of experience and make things better. Our 51,000+ employees help bring big ideas to life every day. We’re pushing the boundaries of innovation in construction & engineering, operations & maintenance, staffing, and security & defense. And that’s not all. Did we mention that we have 150+ worldwide locations with $2.7 billion USD in annual revenue? We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world. We do what we say®. http://www.dayzim.com
Zachry Group is North America’s pacesetter in turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services to the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing and industrial sectors. We work with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Since 1924, we have been a purpose-driven organization, united by a shared set of values and the desire to deliver the very best outcome for our customers. Visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.
Media Contacts
Robert McEntyre, Corporate Communications Director, X-energy
rmcentyre@x-energy.com
(770) 548-5571
Ben Voran, Marketing & PR Business Partner, Burns & McDonnell
bdvoran@burnsmcd.com
(913) 909-1835
Erin Haas, Sr. Director Marketing, Day & Zimmermann
Erin.haas@dayzim.com
(717) 391-3160
Zachry Group
Laura Goudge, Sr. Manager Brand Strategy & Market Communications, Zachry Group
media@zachrygroup.com