X-energy Canada, a subsidiary of X-energy Reactor Company, has confirmed the feasibility of deploying Xe-100 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at an existing TransAlta thermal generation site in Alberta. The study – supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta and conducted alongside TransAlta, Hatch, PCL, and Kinectrics – demonstrates that the Xe-100’s high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor design aligns well with Alberta’s energy and industrial requirements.
The Xe-100 model generates 80 MW of electricity and up to 565°C high-grade steam, making it suitable not only for power generation but also for a broad range of industrial applications in Alberta’s established energy and oil and gas sector. The reactor’s modular nature means plants can be scaled typically as a four-pack for 320 MW total output. With a robust supply chain and skilled workforce already present in Alberta, the Xe-100 offers a strong fit for regional manufacturing and construction.
One of the key features of the Xe-100 is its use of TRISO fuel, characterised by exceptional heat resistance and safety, leading to “meltdown-proof” performance. The reflector-moderated, helium-cooled system is designed for flexible operation, including load follow and rapid ramping between 40% and 100% output in about 12 minutes. The use of air-cooling further increases siting flexibility because it significantly lowers water usage compared to conventional light-water reactors.
X-energy is advancing the Xe-100 for grid-scale, industrial, and “hyperscaler” customers, with initial deployments planned for Dow’s Seadrift, Texas site; Amazon (Washington state, 5 GW fleet commitment by 2039); and Centrica in the United Kingdom (6 GW). Along with power sales, the Xe-100 is intended to supply process heat for industries such as chemicals and synthetic fuel synthesis as well as, potentially, hydrogen production. X-energy is also building the first dedicated US facility for manufacturing its proprietary TRISO-X fuel.
The study affirms that Alberta’s industrial base, grid needs, and workforce create a strong opportunity for SMR deployment. Next steps include advancing regulatory engagement and detailed project planning in collaboration with provincial stakeholders.
