X-energy and its subsidiary TRISO-X began above-ground construction on November 17 for the TX-1 advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, marking a pivotal moment for American nuclear manufacturing. The 214,812-square-foot plant will become the nation’s first facility dedicated to producing TRISO fuel for small modular reactors, with Clark Construction Group leading the work under a $48.2 million contract awarded in August. Once operational, the facility will manufacture approximately 700,000 TRISO fuel pebbles annually—enough to power 11 of X-energy’s Xe-100 small modular reactors.
The construction milestone signals the project’s transition from site development to full-scale facility construction, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. Running parallel to the building work, TRISO-X continues its licensing discussions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expecting regulatory approval by May 2026 to operate what will be the first Category II fuel fabrication facility licensed by federal regulators. The company recently secured an additional $30 million from the Department of Energy to purchase critical long-lead equipment, ensuring the project stays on schedule while bringing more than 400 new jobs to the region.
Operations are projected to begin in 2027, with the facility’s initial fuel production earmarked for X-energy’s first commercial reactor—a proposed four-unit plant being developed in partnership with Dow Chemical Company at their Seadrift, Texas chemical facility. Meanwhile, X-energy has already launched confirmatory qualification testing of its TRISO fuel at Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor, working alongside the Department of Energy and the National Reactor Innovation Center to certify the innovative pebble fuel design for commercial deployment in the Xe-100 reactor system.
TX-1 nuclear fuel plant
The X-energy’s TX-1 nuclear fuel plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a significant step made toward establishing a domestic supply chain for advanced nuclear reactor fuel in the United States. The facility will produce TRISO-X fuel. This is a high-assurance, particle-based fuel designed for next-generation small modular and advanced reactors, including X-energy’s own Xe-100 model. Strategically located within the Oak Ridge nuclear innovation corridor, the plant aims to strengthen U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on imported nuclear materials while supporting the nation’s transition toward cleaner, reliable power. The spirit also seems to ride on the time to Make America Great Again. Once operational, it will supply fuel for both commercial and government applications, and continue positioning Tennessee as a key hub in the emerging advanced nuclear energy market.
Clark Construction Picked for $48M Phase 2A of X-energy’s Nuclear Fuel Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
September, 2025 X-energy chose Clark Construction Group to handle Phase 2A construction of its advanced nuclear fuel facility, TX-1, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is a major milestone for X-energy as it proceeds with plans to produce its own in-house nuclear fuel for future reactors.
The construction contract, valued at $48.2 million, covers “Phase 2A” of the TX-1 project. This stage focuses on building the core and outer shell of the 214,000-square-foot facility. That phase of construction will begin in September following site preparation, which is already underway.
TX-1 is the first of two constructions X-energy is planning on its Oak Ridge campus. It will produce fuel for X-energy’s new small modular reactor, the Xe-100, with the first deployment planned at a Dow Chemical plant on the Texas Gulf Coast.
X-energy is also involved in the alongside Energy Northwest. This is a partnership with Amazon who also continue their push in nuclear energy through SMRs. These projects are part of X-energy’s broader vision to supply clean, safe, and reliable power across the U.S.
Funding for X-energy TX-1 Nuclear Fuel Facility
In addition to the $48.2 million for its construction, X-energy has also been given a go-ahead to spend an additional $30 million of the U.S. Department of Energy’s budget to pre-purchase essential equipment and materials. This is to prevent delay time and maintain overall project timelines.
Joel Duling, TRISO-X President of fuel division at X-energy, said that this project fills a substantial gap in the US nuclear supply chain. “This plant will guarantee America has a secure, home-based fuel supply for the next generation of nuclear power,” he said.
The project was endorsed by regional and national leaders
“Tennessee and Oak Ridge are going to continue to be at the forefront of nuclear energy,” U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty stated, forecasting the investment would bring jobs and more energy production to the area.
After installation, the TX-1 plant will be the first in the country to be licensed to manufacture this amount of fuel. It’s capable of producing as much fuel annually as would be needed to power up to 11 small reactors.
Nuclear-related projects are also on the rise in the U.S., in Tennessee Oklo Inc. on September 5, 2025, ANNOUNCEED plans to build a $1.68B nuclear fuel recycling facility in the state.
Read also: Helion Begins Construction on Orion Nuclear Fusion Power Plant in Washington
X-energy TX-1 Nuclear Fuel Facility in Oak Ridge: Project Factsheet
Key Project Details
Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Facility Size: 214,000 square feet
Construction contract for Clark (Phase 2A): $48.2 million
Additional Equipment Budget: $30 million (U.S. Department of Energy funding)
Construction Start: September 2025
Purpose: Production of specialized nuclear fuel for small modular reactors
Significance of X-energy TX-1 Nuclear Fuel Facility
This facility becomes the first of its kind in the U.S. to receive a license for this level of fuel production.
Addresses critical gap in domestic nuclear supply chain
Annual capacity to fuel up to 11 small modular reactors
First of two planned buildings at X-energy’s Oak Ridge site
Reactor Applications
Primary Customer: Xe-100 small modular reactor
First Deployment: Dow Chemical site, Texas Gulf Coast
Additional Projects: Washington State facility (partnership with Energy Northwest and Amazon)
Key Stakeholders
General Contractor: Clark Construction Group
Fuel Division: TRISO-X (X-energy subsidiary)
Funding Partner: U.S. Department of Energy
Political Support: U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
Read also: Back to Power: Palisades Nuclear Plant Ushers in New Era for U.S. Energy
