320 MW Nuclear Power Plant Nears Construction in US
X-Energy’s Xe-100, a gas-cooled small modular reactor (SMR), has received its Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER) from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), clearing the path for construction approval at the Long Mott Generating Station in Texas.
This advancement marks a significant step towards the first gas-cooled SMR in the US.
Key Takeaways:
- Fourth-Generation Reactor: The Xe-100 utilizes high-temperature gas-cooling technology, featuring a graphite core for neutron moderation.
- Versatile Power Generation: The reactor can generate 80 MWe of electricity or 200 MWt of industrial process heat.
- Advanced Fuel Technology: It utilizes Tristructural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel, consisting of microscopic uranium kernel particles encased in graphite spheres, allowing for online refueling. The fuel contains 20% High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
The increasing demand for carbon-free energy is driving the development of SMRs, which are smaller, faster to build, and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants. US-based companies like X-Energy are leading the way in developing innovative SMR designs and alternative fuel technologies to meet this growing need.