X-Energy LLC, developers of the Xe-100 “pebble bed” high temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), said Monday that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern Nuclear Operating Company subsidiary Southern Nuclear as a step toward advancement of the small reactor that could help revitalize the nuclear power industry due to the reactor's size and relative affordability.
X-energy is developing a helium-cooled HTGR that operates at 125MWth and produces approximately 48MWe, a fraction of the power of a standard-sized commercial nuclear reactor currently operating in the United States. It is touted as “ultra-safe, small-sale, compact, versatile and able to respond in real-time to fluctuating grid demands,” according to a promotional Web site.
The company, which is based in Greenbelt, Md., estimates there are more than 240 potential locations for Xe-100 reactors in the U.S. market that represent 3,600 reactors – (180 Gwe market for their 50 MWe reactors). It has also been noted for its readiness for licensing, relative to other small reactor, and its meltdown-proof design, which allows it to be deployed in closer proximity to markets than other reactors. Early estimates also say construction time is reduced by an estimated 20 percent to 40 percent compared to light water reactors.
"We are thrilled to have Southern Nuclear involved with our project," said X-energy CEO Dr. Kam Ghaffarian. "I founded X-energy in 2009 out of a desire to make a significant and lasting contribution to clean energy generation in the U.S. and around the world. This relationship firmly puts us on that path."
In early 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) separately issued X-energy and the Southern Company-TerraPower partnership each with five-year Advanced Reactor Concept Cooperative Agreement awards. The X-energy award focuses on: furtherance of reactor design; fuel development; and initial licensing activities.
"Our relationship with X-energy builds upon the DOE awards we each received and puts the industry on a strong path to providing clean and safe nuclear energy for generations to come," said Stephen Kuczynski, Chairman, President and CEO, Southern Nuclear. "We understand fully the time and manpower it will take to bring the first advanced reactor to market and feel confident that pursuing this goal together will best leverage our combined research and commercial operation experience to do so."