The UK-based energy group Centrica and X-Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US advanced nuclear reactor technology group X-Energy Reactor Company, have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to deploy X-Energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the United Kingdom. As a first step, the companies have identified EDF-Centrica’s Hartlepool site as the preferred location for the initial deployment of a planned UK fleet of up to 6 GW of Xe-100 reactors.

A potential deployment of twelve Xe-100 units at Hartlepool could deliver up to 960 MW of new nuclear capacity. The new facility would be built adjacent to the existing Hartlepool nuclear power station, which is currently scheduled to cease operations in 2028. The site is already designated for new nuclear development under the UK Government’s National Policy Statement, and the proposed power plant could also provide high-temperature heat to support nearby heavy industries.

Centrica will contribute initial capital for project development, with the aim of launching full-scale activities in 2026. Subject to regulatory approvals, the first electricity generation from the new reactors is expected by the mid-2030s.