X-Energy and SGL Carbon Ink Groundbreaking Deal to Boost Nuclear-Grade Graphite Production

In a move poised to revolutionize the nuclear energy landscape, X-Energy, Inc. and SGL Carbon have announced a landmark agreement to double the production capacity for medium-grain isotropic graphite, a critical component in X-Energy's cutting-edge Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR).

The binding agreement, worth up to $8 million in milestone-based payments, will enable SGL Carbon to expand its facility in Chedde, France, and produce graphite billets for up to 8 new Xe-100 reactors per year. This strategic partnership not only strengthens the supply chain for a safety-critical material but also underscores the growing importance of nuclear energy in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

X-Energy's Xe-100 reactor is a fourth-generation design that utilizes a pebble-bed core, which requires high-quality nuclear-grade graphite to function as a neutron moderator and structural component. The material, known as NBG-18, has undergone rigorous testing and validation through various programs, including the U.S. Department of Energy's Next Generation Nuclear Plant project.

The agreement builds on a 10-year Supplier Framework Agreement established in January 2026, which included an initial three-year award valued at over $100 million for X-Energy's first commercial projects. The expansion is expected to double European manufacturing capacity for NBG-18 by 2030, with additional capacity investments under consideration across multiple regions to further support the growing demand for nuclear-grade graphite.

According to J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-Energy, the commercialization of new nuclear technology at scale relies heavily on the ability to expand the nuclear supply chain significantly. The partnership with SGL Carbon marks a crucial step towards achieving this goal, as it ensures a reliable supply of high-quality nuclear-grade graphite for X-Energy's Xe-100 reactors.

The announcement has significant implications for the global energy landscape, as it paves the way for the widespread adoption of advanced nuclear reactors. With the Xe-100 design, X-Energy aims to provide a safe, efficient, and scalable solution for clean energy generation, which is essential for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.

The expanded production capacity will support X-Energy's first commercial deployment of the Xe-100, a proposed four-unit plant in partnership with Dow under the DOE's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The agreement also secures additional capacity for follow-on projects, ensuring manufacturing readiness for safety-critical, long-lead materials.

As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, the demand for clean and efficient energy sources is on the rise. The partnership between X-Energy and SGL Carbon is a testament to the growing importance of nuclear energy in this context, and the groundbreaking agreement is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry.

In conclusion, the deal between X-Energy and SGL Carbon marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced nuclear reactors and the expansion of the nuclear supply chain. As the world continues to navigate the challenges of climate change, the importance of reliable, efficient, and scalable clean energy solutions will only continue to grow, making this partnership a crucial step towards a sustainable future.