Centrica and X-energy Move to Deploy UK’s First Advanced Modular Reactors

Centrica and X-Energy, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC) entered a Joint Development Agreement to deploy X-energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the United Kingdom. The partners identified EDF and Centrica’s Hartlepool site as the preferred first location for a planned fleet targeting up to 6 gigawatts across multiple projects.

The announcement outlines a staged plan and clear milestones. Centrica will provide initial project capital to begin development activities in 2026. Subject to regulatory approvals, first electricity generation is anticipated in the mid-2030s. The companies are in discussions with additional equity partners and leading global engineering and construction firms, with the goal of establishing a UK-based development company to progress the initial plant and subsequent units.

A 12-unit Xe-100 deployment at Hartlepool could add as much as 960 megawatts of capacity, which Centrica says would be enough to power 1.5 million homes and generate over £12 billion in lifetime economic value. The site sits adjacent to the existing Hartlepool nuclear power station, scheduled to cease generation in 2028. Repurposing the location aims to preserve skilled jobs and infrastructure while accelerating clean-energy redevelopment.

Technology details in the announcement underscore the AMR value proposition. Each Xe-100 reactor is engineered to deliver 80 megawatts of electricity (or 200 megawatts of thermal output) and is optimized for multi-unit configurations ranging from 320 megawatts to 960 megawatts. The partners highlight industrial heat as a key use case; high-temperature output could support heavy industry in Teesside and other hubs. The release also references the UK government’s designation of High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors as the most promising advanced technology for demonstration, and notes year-long assessments completed in 2025 with support from the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund.

Senior leaders emphasized energy security, economic value, and jobs. Centrica’s CEO called the partnership a step toward scalable, secure advanced nuclear; X-energy’s CEO pointed to Hartlepool’s established industrial base; UK energy officials cited potential job creation in the thousands and a route to privately led projects. If executed as planned, the program would position the UK as an early adopter of modular nuclear at grid-relevant scale.

Further stakeholder engagement, regulatory processes, and supply-chain formation are expected as the partnership advances.

Image credit: Centrica