Centrica – one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers – and X-Energy, LLC, a US advanced nuclear technology developer, signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to bring the first Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) to the UK in September 2025. This collaboration aims to deploy X-Energy’s Xe-100 AMR technology at scale, with an initial preference for Hartlepool as the first deployment site adjacent to the existing nuclear station. The AMR concept also allows smaller, modular units to be fabricated in factories, reducing on-site construction risk and potentially lowering costs relative to traditional large reactors.

The initiative also aligns with wider UK-US nuclear collaboration and support frameworks designed to accelerate next-generation nuclear technologies. This includes promoting jobs, energy exports, and clean energy infrastructure with the latter picking up an accelerated pace after United Downs deep geothermal electricity plant in Cornwall started producing power to the national grid.

Stakeholders in the Deal

• Centrica PLC as UK energy partner and co-developer; also in project development and commercial leadership.
• X-Energy, LLC as technology provider and design lead for Xe-100 AMRs.
• Preferred site host: EDF Energy’s Hartlepool nuclear site. Plans include the repurposing of existing infrastructure for AMR deployment.
• Engineering and construction partners: Still subject to future procurement and regulatory approvals.
• UK Government as facilitator for licensing pathways, policy support, and potential co-funding frameworks under advanced nuclear acceleration programs

Deal Financing

Financial details of the Centrica–X-Energy AMR program continue to emerge as partners negotiate investment frameworks and government support mechanisms. The joint deal itself is a development-stage agreement that signals mutual intent to secure licenses, partnerships and investment — with illustrative fleet potential up to 6 GW of capacity across multiple units.

Future financing will likely include private capital, technology licensing, and potential UK or US public support tied to advanced nuclear acceleration initiatives.

Centrica, X-Energy Sign Nuclear Energy Deal to Deploy UK’s First Advanced Modular Reactors

Reported September 15, 2025 – British multinational energy company, Centrica, has entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with X-Energy to deploy the UK’s first Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). The nuclear energy project will use X-Energy’s Xe-100 reactors.

The first site chosen is Hartlepool – adjacent to its existing nuclear station, which is due to retire in 2028. This marks a major leap in Britain’s energy transition, targeting scalable nuclear deployment, industrial heat provision, and major supply chain investment. It also comes after Centrica recently invested £1.3bn for a 15% stake in the 3.2GW Sizewell C project being developed in Suffolk, greatly boosting its overall financing.

Project Factsheet

Project: Hartlepool Advanced Modular Reactors Deployment

Location: Hartlepool, UK

Developers: Centrica, X-Energy

Capacity: Up to 960 MW (12-unit deployment)

Project Timeline: Development work begins 2026

Regulatory Status: Site already designated under UK policy. Project licensing underway

Homes Powered: 1.5 million

Economic Value: Approx. £12 billion lifetime value

Industrial Use: High-temperature heat for heavy industries

Centrica Nuclear Energy Project Chooses Hartlepool, UK as First Site

Hartlepool is the preferred first location for the planned UK fleet totaling up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of new-generation nuclear power. A 12-unit build at Hartlepool could yield about 960 MW of electricity. This is enough to power up to 1.5 million homes, and create over £12 billion in lifetime economic value.

Regulation and Economics Outlook

The Hartlepool site is already designated for new nuclear under the UK government’s National Policy Statement. The existing Hartlepool reactor station is to cease operations in 2028, and deploying new AMRs will help retain skilled workforce and existing infrastructure.

The joint nuclear energy deal also factors in high-temperature heat provision. This goes on to support heavy industries like the recently announced £2 billion sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Teesside.

Project Timeline

Centrica will provide initial development capital, with full-scale construction activities aimed to begin in 2026. However, this is subject to regulatory and licensing approvals. First electricity generation from the facility is expected by mid-2030s.

The two companies are also seeking additional equity partners and engineering and construction firms to form a UK-based development company.

Technology Use by Centrica in the Nuclear Energy Project in Hartlepool, UK

X-Energy’s Xe-100 is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). The modular unit designed by the American nuclear reactor and fuel engineering company is built for both electricity generation and industrial heat and steam.

Additionally, the modular approach also accelerates construction and is more cost effective. It also scales more predictably compared to traditional large nuclear builds.