Amazon’s ambitions in the nuclear energy sector have advanced following the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) recent licensing of its partner, X-Energy, to manufacture nuclear fuel. This approval pertains to the production of fuel for advanced reactors at a facility located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Key Developments in Nuclear Fuel Production
The NRC’s decision allows X-Energy’s subsidiary, TRISO-X, to produce high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel pellets, which are essential for the operation of the Xe-100 reactors. This marks a significant milestone as X-Energy claims its TX-1 and TX-2 fuel plants are the first of their kind to receive regulatory approval in over fifty years. However, construction of these facilities is still underway, with the first site expected to be completed later this year.
Safety and Production Details
Before commencing production, X-Energy must pass an on-site inspection by the NRC to ensure safety protocols are met. The HALEU is processed into small TRISO fuel particles, which are then coated with multiple layers of carbon and ceramic materials. These particles are formed into pebbles, approximately the size of billiard balls, which will be used in the reactors. Each Xe-100 reactor is designed to generate up to 80 megawatts of power continuously for a duration of 60 years.
Amazon’s Strategic Investment
Amazon’s involvement in this venture began in late 2024 when it invested $500 million in X-Energy’s technology, aiming to reduce its reliance on the traditional power grid for its data center operations. The company anticipates that the TX-1 facility will produce around 700,000 pebbles annually, sufficient to fuel approximately 11 reactors. The TX-2 site, currently in the design phase, is expected to significantly enhance production capacity.
Long-Term Energy Goals
Despite these advancements, Amazon will need to wait for the operational rollout of the reactors. X-Energy projects that it will deliver the five gigawatts of power contracted by Amazon by 2039, with the initial reactors expected to come online in the 2030s. This timeline underscores the long-term nature of investments in nuclear technology and the gradual shift towards energy independence for major tech companies.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
