Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities have entered into an agreement with Rockville, Md.-based X-Energy to explore building X-Energy’s small modular reactors in the Bluegrass State.
The three companies have already started early project feasibility work and will explore ways for using X-Energy’s Xe-100 SMR deployments to support Kentucky’s long -term energy goals, according to X-Energy’s April 30 press release. Such SMRS could be used to power data centers in the state.
X-Energy is developing the Xe-100 reactor, a high-temperature gas-cooled SMR capable of producing 80 megawatts of electricity. The reactor is designed to operate as a four-pack power plant that generates 320 megawatts. It can also be packaged in a 12-unit power plant.
X-Energy said its SMR four-pack unit is geared towards powering regional utilities and large load customers, while its 12-unit plants are geared towards powering large cities and hyperscale infrastructure.
“Kentucky’s energy leadership and skilled workforce create a strong foundation for evaluating advanced nuclear deployment,” X-Energy CEO Clay Sell said. “This collaboration allows us to explore how the Xe-100 can support the Commonwealth’s growing electricity demands while strengthening grid reliability and creating economic opportunity across the region.”
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities are sister subsidiaries within PPL Corporation, formerly Pennsylvania Power and Light, based in Allentown, Penn.
According to the release, this collaboration builds off Kentucky’s recent interest in nuclear power. In 2024, Kentucky’s state government established the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to support in-state nuclear power development.
A year later, the Kentucky Public Service Commission conducted a study to further look into nuclear power, which was ordered by the Senate Joint Resolution 140. The state agency will hold a nuclear technical conference May 12 to 13 in Frankfort, Ky. to discuss the potential nuclear future in the state.
Additionally, on April 8, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed Senate Bill 57 that created the nuclear reactor site readiness pilot program. The program includes a $75 million grant initiative that supports early deployment activities, such as feasibility studies, applications for early site and construction, licensing and permitting.