Centrica and X-energy have signed a joint development agreement to deploy the United Kingdom’s first Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), with a goal of building a national fleet totaling 6 gigawatts (GW). The first project is expected at the Hartlepool site, adjacent to the existing nuclear power station scheduled to close in 2028.
If realized, the program would represent the largest AMR commitment to date in the U.K., generating enough electricity to power 14 million homes while creating at least $54 billion in economic activity and thousands of skilled jobs.
The preferred initial project is a 12-unit Xe-100 deployment at Hartlepool, delivering up to 960 megawatts (MW) of capacity—sufficient for 1.5 million homes. Beyond electricity, the reactors are designed to produce high-temperature heat for industrial use, a potential boost for Teesside’s heavy industries, which have been seeking low-carbon energy solutions.
The U.K. government has already designated Hartlepool for new nuclear under its National Policy Statement, strengthening the project’s prospects. Centrica expects to launch full-scale development in 2026, with generation beginning in the mid-2030s, subject to regulatory approval.
“Centrica is proud to be at the forefront of Britain’s clean energy transition—investing in infrastructure and jobs that meet today’s energy needs while enabling tomorrow’s ambitions,” said Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, in the September 15 press release.
“Our partnership with Centrica represents a commitment to bring X-energy's industry-leading advanced nuclear technology to the U.K. at scale,” added J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy.
U.K. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband said the Hartlepool project could “create up to 2,500 good, skilled jobs, add £12 billion in economic value, and generate enough energy to power 1.5 million homes.”
The U.K. Department of Energy Security and Net Zero identified High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) as the most promising advanced nuclear technology for demonstration. AMRs like the Xe-100 are designed to provide 80 MW of electricity or 200 MW of thermal output per unit, with modular construction that reduces cost overruns and accelerates timelines.
X-energy is also advancing demonstration projects in the U.S., including a Gulf Coast plant with Dow Inc. and a second with Energy Northwest in collaboration with Amazon, which has a goal of adding 5 GW of new clean power projects by 2039.
With the U.K. committed to quadrupling nuclear capacity to 24 GW by 2050, projects like Hartlepool could be pivotal. Industry analysts note that AMRs are uniquely suited to provide both power and industrial heat, positioning them as a tool for energy security, decarbonization, and economic growth.
The initiative also underscores a broader trans-Atlantic nuclear partnership, aligning with U.S. and U.K. efforts to secure supply chains, strengthen energy resilience, and support industrial competitiveness in the era of AI-driven electricity demand.
