X-energy’s subsidiary in Canada completed a study confirming the feasibility of repurposing a thermal generation site in Alberta, Canada with Xe-100 small modular reactors.
The feasibility study found “significant alignment between the province’s unique energy and industrial profile and the attributes of the Xe-100,” according to the company’s Sept. 25 press release. It identified areas where X-energy’s technology can assist in Alberta’s energy economy and long-term competitiveness, X-energy said.
The findings of the study have created a foundation for “further planning and regulatory engagement to support future deployment”, the company said.
The thermal generation site is operated by TransAlta, a Calgary-based electric company and partner in X-energy’s study.
Xe-100 is a generation-IV high-temperature gas-cooled reactor X-Energy has developed. Along with producing electricity, the reactor is designed to provide 565° C heat and steam for industrial applications, the company said.
X-energy said the province of Alberta has established supply chain capabilities that position it to aid in the manufacturing and construction of X-energy’s SMRs.
“We look forward to working with provincial and community leaders to explore Xe-100 applications in the province, and its potential to support critical Canadian industries with clean, reliable, and safe energy.” X-energy senior vice president and deputy Chief commercial officer Ben Reinke said in the release.
The study was conducted with TransAlta, Hatch, PCL and Kinectrics. It was funded by Emissions Reduction Alberta through the Government of Alberta’s TIER fund.
The study was initially announced in April 2024 to assess the feasibility of repurposing a fossil fuel electricity generation site for a Xe-100 power plant.
The company has proposed installing an SMR to provide energy and steam generation at Dow’s UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing location in Seadrift, Texas. X-energy’s construction permit application for the reactor is currently being reviewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.