Is X-Energy Building a New Model for Industrial Nuclear Power?

X-Energy, Inc. XE is developing the Xe-100, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed to meet both electricity and industrial heat requirements. XE's four-reactor configuration is designed to generate 320 MWe of electricity while also providing high-temperature heat for industrial applications. Each Xe-100 reactor is designed to produce 80 MWe of electricity or nearly 200 MW of thermal output. The industrial-heat opportunity could allow XE to pursue customers that do not fit the traditional utility model. The company specifically states that it is developing its reactors for both traditional electric-power customers and nontraditional industrial customers that require high-temperature heat.