X-energy has been doing a great job advancing its second Xe-100 small modular reactor (SMR). They are working with Energy Northwest to demonstration sue this project in Washington state. This project, which includes the first known partnership between a public utility and Amazon, is intended to provide electricity for Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) AI data centers. The current plan is to host four Xe-100 reactors, scaling up to twelve reactors, and achieving first power in 2039.
The advancement of the second Xe-100 commercial plant realization is an important achievement for X-energy. In May 2025, the proposed four-reactor project suddenly gained momentum. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission during its construction permit application 18-month review accepted it. This regulatory approval is very important to advancing the project into the construction phase.
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
X-energy collaborates with Amazon, KHNP, and Doosan Enerbility on its fourth-generation reactor. Through this partnership, we want to make sure everyone has an efficient and cost-effective deployment. This partnership further solidifies X-energy’s existing relationships with Korean strategic partners. Most importantly, it underscores the need for increased international collaboration in moving the most advanced nuclear technologies forward.
Vibhu Kaushik, a spokesperson for Amazon, noted the significance of this partnership, stating, “By forming this partnership with KHNP and Doosan along with X-energy, we’re continuing to pursue innovative carbon-free solutions and technology to help meet the increasing energy demand, and we’re excited that this will help us enable over five gigawatts of new nuclear energy in the US.”
This partnership is intended to take advantage of the specialized expertise that has been honed across the entirety of the South Korean industrial supply chain. What this deal means J Clay Sell, representing X-energy, stressed this partnership is necessary for American leadership in the global nuclear sector. He added, “By merging our knowledge, we will be able to put ourselves in the greatest position to speed the Xe-100 SMR into the marketplace. In doing so, we build on the distinct understanding and competencies forged within the South Korean industrial supply chain.” As the pace of AI development quickens, collaboration between the US and South Korea will be key to ensuring American leadership in the AI race. Combined, they would be able to outrun China in nuclear development.
Financial Commitment and Future Plans
X-energy’s role is central to a recently announced $350 billion U.S. trade agreement with the Republic of Korea. This joint commitment seeks to ensure a robust future for the U.S. nuclear industry. There is a very serious push to raise as much as $50 billion. We’ll need this funding to flow from both public and private sources to ensure the success of these initiatives.
The recent progress on the Xe-100 project demonstrates an emerging trend toward innovative clean energy solutions and advanced nuclear technology. Governments and corporations are making big bets on sustainable solutions to match increasing energy appetites. Partnerships such as those established by X-energy are key to ensuring that the nation’s energy production moves in a more innovative and efficient direction.
