X-energy Secures $100M Graphite Supply Deal with SGL Carbon for Xe-100 SMR Deployment

Event summary

  • X-energy and SGL Carbon signed a 10-year graphite supply agreement for the Xe-100 SMR, with an initial $100M three-year contract for the first commercial deployment in Seadrift, Texas.
  • SGL has begun production of graphite reactor components using NBG-18 medium-grain isotropic graphite for the Xe-100's initial deployment.
  • The agreement supports X-energy's 11 GW commercial pipeline, including the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington State, targeting at least 5 GW of new nuclear by 2039 with Amazon.
  • X-energy and SGL have collaborated since 2015 on qualifying NBG-18 graphite for use in the Xe-100, leveraging SGL's experience in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.

The big picture

This agreement is a critical step in X-energy's strategy to build a resilient U.S. and allied industrial ecosystem for advanced nuclear energy. The deal underscores the growing collaboration between nuclear developers and industrial leaders to scale SMR technology, addressing both supply chain and commercialization challenges. With a pipeline targeting 11 GW of capacity, X-energy is positioning itself as a key player in the next wave of nuclear energy deployment, leveraging strategic partnerships to mitigate risks and ensure timely execution.

What we're watching

Supply Chain Resilience
How X-energy's ability to secure long-term supply agreements will affect its timeline for fleet-scale SMR deployment.
Commercial Execution
Whether X-energy can sustain its commercial pipeline momentum with multiple high-profile partners.
Market Expansion
The pace at which X-energy can expand its SMR projects beyond the U.S., particularly with international partners like Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.