Businesses have gathered in Hartlepool to hear more about a major nuclear project.

More than 100 businesses from across Teesside and the UK met to learn how they can work with X-energy on its proposed nuclear new build project.

X-energy, along with deployment partner Cavendish Nuclear, discussed the potential fleet production of its Xe-100 advanced modular nuclear reactors, likely timescales, scope of contracts for companies of all sizes across multiple sectors, and what is required to win business.

The event at Hartlepool College of Further Education was followed by a workshop at The Wilton Centre, Redcar, focusing on how X-energy’s Xe-100 technology can be applied across the UK to directly decarbonise current and future heavy industry by providing high temperature steam. The workshop was co-hosted with nuclear heat experts Equilibrion, The Energy Intensive User Group and NEPIC.

READ MORE: In-depth interview with  the woman behind plan for 12 nuclear reactors in Hartlepool

Carol Tansley, X-energy’s Vice President of Projects and UK Market Leader said: “The North East’s talented businesses have a proud history of supporting both nuclear power and the wider Teesside industrial base – this event is focused on how we can build the partnerships at local and national level to deliver new nuclear power online in Hartlepool in the early 2030s.”

“We also look forward to exploring with the industrial community how deployment of the Xe-100 could provide a model for decarbonisation across the UK.”

 

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X-energy is planning a fleet of around 40 of its Xe-100 AMRs across the UK, creating thousands of high-quality, high paying jobs in construction and operations. A 12-reactor project at Hartlepool, next to the existing nuclear power station, would represent a multi-billion-pound investment and huge benefits to the supply chain across the region. X-energy and Cavendish Nuclear say they have a goal of sourcing at least 80% of the goods and services needed via UK businesses.

Mick Gornall, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear, said: “This event showcases the appetite and capability of the UK’s supply chain for nuclear. We’re excited to move forward with this technology that will contribute to both energy security and long-term job creation.”

“This project will position Hartlepool at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to decarbonise industries like hydrogen production and heavy manufacturing, with the technology offering faster and more cost-effective deployment compared to traditional nuclear plants.”

The events on Teesside are part of a £6.68m programme funded by X-energy and the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which awarded Cavendish Nuclear and X-energy £3.34m in April this year through the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund aimed at supporting mature technologies that are ready to deploy.

Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool said “We want good, well-paid jobs to come to our town and that means investments in exciting industries like this. What X-energy is proposing with its AMR technology will make Hartlepool the epicentre of this country’s transition to a green energy superpower with billions of pounds worth of generational investment”.

Cllr Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said ‘‘Together we can all play a part in ensuring that Hartlepool can be at the forefront of the UK’s Nuclear Industry.’’