Centrica and X-energy Plan the U.K.’s First Advanced Modular Reactors

Centrica has partnered with US company X-energy to develop the UK’s first Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), a next-generation nuclear technology designed to provide clean, reliable energy.

The joint development agreement sets out plans to build a national fleet of AMRs with a total capacity of 6 gigawatts (GW). That’s enough electricity to power around 14 million homes, while generating an estimated £43 billion in economic value and creating thousands of skilled jobs.

Hartlepool selected for the first project

The first site is expected to be at Hartlepool, next to the existing nuclear power station scheduled to close in 2028.

• 12 Xe-100 AMR units will provide up to 960 megawatts (MW) of capacity, enough for 1.5 million homes.

• Alongside electricity, the reactors are designed to produce high-temperature heat to support Teesside’s heavy industries in their shift to low-carbon energy.

• Development could begin in 2026, with generation targeted for the mid-2030s, subject to regulatory approval.

The UK government has already designated Hartlepool for new nuclear under its National Policy Statement, helping strengthen the project’s prospects.

Support from industry and government

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, said:

“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.”

J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, added:

“Our partnership with Centrica represents a commitment to bring X-energy’s advanced nuclear technology to the UK at scale.”

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has highlighted the project’s potential to create up to 2,500 skilled jobs, add £12 billion to the economy, and power 1.5 million homes.

What are AMRs?

Advanced Modular Reactors are compact nuclear units designed to be built and deployed more quickly and at lower cost than traditional plants.

Each Xe-100 unit can generate 80 MW of electricity or 200 MW of thermal output. Their modular design makes them well-suited to support both household electricity demand and industrial decarbonisation, particularly in heavy industry.

Why it matters

The UK has set a target of quadrupling nuclear capacity to 24 GW by 2050. AMR projects such as Hartlepool could play a central role in meeting that goal, delivering energy security, cutting emissions, and supporting long-term economic growth.

The Centrica–X-energy partnership also reflects a wider UK–US collaboration in advanced nuclear, with similar projects underway in the United States with Dow, Energy Northwest, and Amazon.

Photo: Hartlepool nuclear power station, 2022
by Geni, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.