X-energy’s first Xe-100 nuclear project completes NRC safety review

On October 30, X-energy announced that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal nuclear-safety regulator, had completed its safety review for the first deployment of the Xe-100. The Xe-100 is a small modular reactor that uses high-temperature gas to carry heat away from the reactor. ^[1]

The company says the regulator’s final written safety assessment completes both primary reviews required for construction-permit approval. The announcement does not report that a construction permit has been issued.^[1]

Completing the safety review reduces the regulatory work remaining before the first Xe-100 project can receive construction approval. That can help project developers and prospective equipment suppliers plan subsequent work; orders still depend on permit approval and projects moving forward.^[1]

X-energy also expects the review to establish a precedent that makes future Xe-100 licensing more efficient. If later projects can build on work already reviewed, developers could face less repeated preparation and waiting, helping suppliers plan capacity. The announcement gives no estimate of time or cost savings.^[1]

Impact