X-Energy supported by Amazon receives its first nuclear fuel license in 50 years

LootboxPhobia · 2026-02-13T20:53:34+00:00

The nuclear energy company X-Energy supported by Amazon has received federal approval to produce high-concentration low-enriched uranium fuel in Tennessee, marking the first issuance of such a license in over 50 years. The company will build two facilities, expected to begin operations in 2028, enhancing the US nuclear fuel supply and energy security.

LootboxPhobia

2026-02-13 20:53:34

Abstract generation in progress

Investing.com – The nuclear energy company X-Energy Reactor Co., supported by Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), received federal approval on Friday to manufacture uranium fuel for advanced reactors, marking the first such license issuance in over 50 years.

The company’s TRISO-X subsidiary obtained a special nuclear materials license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under 10 CFR Part 70, allowing it to commercialize the production of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel at two facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for a period of 40 years.

TRISO-X has begun construction of its first plant, TX-1, which is expected to start fuel production in 2028. The license authorizes the company to build two production facilities at this site.

TRISO-X President Joel Duling stated, “Regulatory approval brings us closer to establishing a resilient U.S. fuel supply for next-generation nuclear technology, enhancing our energy security by filling a long-standing gap in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle.”

This Tennessee facility will produce TRISO particles, a triplex homogeneous fuel—uranium spheres about the size of poppy seeds—that burn hotter and longer than traditional fuel. This technology is part of the wave of next-generation reactor development.

The NRC completed its review three months ahead of schedule, following a comprehensive safety assessment report and a final environmental impact statement, both recommending approval.

TX-1 is currently under construction at the Oak Ridge Horizon Center as part of X-energy’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s advanced reactor demonstration program. TX-2 is in the design phase and will significantly increase capacity to support X-energy’s 11-gigawatt commercial pipeline, equivalent to 144 Xe-100 small modular reactors.

Before operation begins, the NRC will conduct a final inspection to verify equipment readiness, the functionality of safety systems, and personnel training adequacy.

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