X-energy Explores Deploying 80 MWe Xe-100 SMRs in Kentucky under $75 M Pilot Program
X-energy has begun early feasibility activities with LG&E and KU to explore deploying its 80 MWe Xe-100 SMRs in Kentucky. The collaboration leverages Kentucky’s new $75 million Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program, offering up to $25 million grants per project and targeting grid reliability and large-load customers.
1. Partnership Scope
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities, subsidiaries of PPL Corporation, have launched early feasibility activities with X-energy to assess deployment of its 80 MWe Xe-100 small modular reactors in Kentucky. The collaboration aims to evaluate grid reliability improvements and serve large-load customers such as data centers through phased SMR deployments.
2. Kentucky Pilot Program Details
Kentucky’s Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program includes a $75 million grant initiative to support site feasibility studies, early permitting and licensing for nuclear projects. Up to three projects will be selected for awards of $25 million each, and utilities may recover permitting and licensing costs through the Public Service Commission.
3. Xe-100 Reactor and Market Impact
X-energy’s Xe-100 SMR features a high-temperature gas-cooled design that can be assembled in four- or twelve-unit plants, delivering 320 MWe for regional utilities or gigawatt-scale capacity for larger infrastructure. The company is developing more than 11 GW of new nuclear capacity across the U.S. and U.K., positioning its reactors as flexible clean energy solutions.