Centrica and X-energy Forge Landmark Agreement to Deploy the U.K.’s First Advanced Modular Reactors, Targeting 6 GW of Nuclear Capacity
Centrica plc (“Centrica”) and X-Energy, LLC (“X-energy”), a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, have announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) to deploy X-energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (“AMRs”) in the United Kingdom. This collaboration marks a milestone for the U.K. nuclear sector, as the two companies aim to establish the nation’s first fleet of advanced modular reactors, with an ambitious target of up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear capacity.
The initiative represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a strategic investment in the U.K.’s energy security, decarbonization goals, and long-term industrial growth. Nuclear power has been at the heart of Britain’s low-carbon ambitions, and the deployment of advanced modular reactors has the potential to significantly reshape the country’s energy landscape.
Hartlepool Identified as First Preferred Site
As part of the development plan, Centrica and X-energy have identified EDF and Centrica’s Hartlepool site in northeast England as the preferred first location for deployment. Hartlepool has long been associated with nuclear energy, serving as the home of an operating nuclear power station since the early 1980s. With its existing infrastructure, experienced workforce, and strong ties to the local community, the site offers a natural foundation for introducing advanced modular reactors.
The decision to prioritize Hartlepool underscores the importance of building upon the U.K.’s existing nuclear legacy. By repurposing established sites for next-generation technologies, developers can accelerate deployment, minimize community disruption, and leverage the extensive grid connections and support facilities already in place.
Introducing the Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactor
At the center of this initiative is X-energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactor. Designed to be smaller, safer, and more flexible than conventional nuclear power stations, the Xe-100 is based on decades of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor development. Each unit can generate 80 megawatts (MW) of electricity or 200 MW of thermal energy, and multiple units can be combined into scalable “plants” to meet diverse needs.
The Xe-100’s high-temperature output is particularly significant. Beyond electricity generation, the technology can produce industrial-grade heat for energy-intensive sectors such as chemical manufacturing, steel, cement, and hydrogen production. This versatility enables the Xe-100 to support both the U.K.’s power system and its broader decarbonization agenda, especially in hard-to-abate industries.
In terms of safety, the Xe-100 incorporates inherent safety features that allow it to operate without the need for large-scale emergency response systems common in conventional nuclear plants. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce construction complexity and associated costs.
Supporting the U.K.’s Net Zero Ambitions
The U.K. government has made clear its intention to expand nuclear power capacity as part of its net zero strategy. The aim is to generate up to 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050, providing around 25% of the nation’s projected electricity demand. This expansion is essential to balance growing shares of renewable energy with a reliable, low-carbon baseload supply.
By pursuing up to 6 GW of AMRs, Centrica and X-energy’s agreement could account for a quarter of the U.K.’s future nuclear target. Moreover, the partnership highlights how advanced reactor designs can be delivered more quickly and efficiently than traditional large-scale plants, which often face cost overruns and lengthy construction schedules.
Economic and Community Benefits
The deployment of advanced modular reactors is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the U.K. nuclear supply chain and regional communities. At Hartlepool, where the local economy has been shaped by decades of nuclear expertise, the arrival of AMRs could sustain and expand highly skilled jobs. Training and workforce development programs will be critical, ensuring that both current employees and future generations are prepared to operate and maintain this new wave of nuclear technology.
Beyond jobs, the reactors could stimulate industrial development in sectors that require high-temperature heat or reliable power. From low-carbon hydrogen production to decarbonizing heavy industries, AMRs provide opportunities to strengthen domestic manufacturing and enhance U.K. energy independence.
A Global Perspective
The Centrica–X-energy collaboration also situates the U.K. within a broader global shift toward advanced nuclear technologies. Countries including the United States, Canada, and Japan are advancing their own modular reactor programs, with the aim of deploying reactors that can be built faster, scaled according to demand, and used in diverse applications beyond electricity generation.
By moving early, the U.K. could position itself as a leader in deploying and exporting modular reactor expertise. The potential to integrate these reactors into global supply chains creates additional economic value and helps cement the U.K.’s role in the international clean energy transition.
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
For Centrica, the partnership with X-energy aligns with its long-term vision to support Britain’s low-carbon energy future while reinforcing its commitment to reliable, affordable power. For X-energy, the agreement provides a platform to introduce its advanced reactor technology to one of the world’s most ambitious nuclear markets.
Together, the companies bring complementary strengths: Centrica’s deep knowledge of U.K. energy markets, customer base, and infrastructure, combined with X-energy’s technical innovation and reactor expertise. The result is a partnership that has the potential to accelerate the commercialization of AMRs in the U.K. and beyond.
