X-energy, Amazon, KHNP, and Doosan Enerbility Forge Strategic Partnership to Scale Advanced Nuclear Energy for AI Infrastructure
In a groundbreaking move to address the escalating energy demands of data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electrification, X-energy, Amazon, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Doosan Enerbility have announced a strategic collaboration. This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of X-energy’s Xe-100 fourth-generation advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) and TRISO-X fuel across the United States. By combining expertise in nuclear technology, energy project delivery, and cloud infrastructure, the alliance seeks to meet the growing power needs driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-demand sectors.
A Historic Collaboration to Meet Modern Energy Challenges
The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration spanning reactor engineering design, supply chain development, construction planning, investment strategies, long-term operations, and global opportunities for joint AI-nuclear deployment. Central to this effort is the mobilization of up to $50 billion in public and private investments to support Xe-100 projects and expand associated supply chain capacity. This ambitious initiative aligns with the recent $350 billion U.S.-South Korea trade deal, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing nuclear energy and securing American leadership in the global AI race.
“This partnership brings together proven nuclear leadership and experience from Korean industry and X-energy’s advanced reactor and fuel technology to meet a historic energy challenge,” said J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy. “By leveraging the unique knowledge and skills developed within South Korea’s industrial supply chain, we are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of the Xe-100 SMR into the marketplace. Collaboration between the United States and South Korea is vital to preserving American leadership in AI and surpassing China as the leader in nuclear development.”
Strengthening Global Leadership in Nuclear Energy
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, small modular reactors (SMRs) have emerged as a promising solution. Dr. Joo-ho Whang, President and CEO of KHNP, emphasized the significance of this partnership in addressing these challenges: “Global competition for SMR development is becoming increasingly fierce. By strengthening cooperation with the United States, I expect that the technological and business capabilities of both countries will generate strong synergies in the global SMR market. This partnership positions us to meet the needs of a 21st-century economy with the safest, most secure, and most proliferation-resistant fuel and reactor technology available today.”
For Amazon, the collaboration represents a critical step in meeting the surging energy demands of its data centers, which are essential to supporting AI leadership. “Data centers are the critical infrastructure needed to support AI leadership, and their power needs continue to accelerate to meet the growing needs of our customers,” stated Vibhu Kaushik, Head of Worldwide Energy at Amazon Web Services (AWS). “This partnership with KHNP, Doosan, and X-energy allows us to pursue innovative carbon-free solutions and technologies to help meet increasing energy demand. We’re excited that this collaboration will enable over five gigawatts of new nuclear energy in the U.S.”
Leveraging Proven Expertise and Manufacturing Capabilities
Doosan Enerbility, a leader in heavy industrial manufacturing, has committed to securing the manufacturing capabilities required for the successful deployment of Xe-100 modules. Chairman Park Ji-won expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are honored to seize this opportunity to accelerate the commercialization of Xe-100 technology, made possible through the support and interest of both governments. Doosan will faithfully fulfill its role, leveraging its proven manufacturing expertise, to ensure that this MOU becomes a model example of bilateral cooperation in the energy industry.”
The collaboration builds on X-energy’s existing relationships with strategic partners in South Korea, including DL E&C, a leading engineering and construction services company. Since 2023, X-energy has partnered with DL E&C to advance its reactor deployment efforts. The inclusion of Doosan Enerbility further strengthens this ecosystem, ensuring that X-energy can deliver its cutting-edge reactors to customers efficiently and cost-effectively.
Advancing Key Projects Across the United States
X-energy is currently advancing two key Xe-100 deployment projects in the United States. The first project, in collaboration with Dow Inc., is being developed at the UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing site in Texas as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Demonstration Program. In May 2025, the proposed four-reactor project reached a significant milestone when its Construction Permit Application was accepted for an 18-month review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The second project, in partnership with Energy Northwest in Washington State, involves Amazon as a key collaborator. The Energy Northwest site is expected to initially host four Xe-100 reactors, with plans to expand to 12 reactors in the future. These initiatives exemplify X-energy’s commitment to delivering scalable, reliable, and carbon-free energy solutions to meet the needs of modern industries.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future
The partnership between X-energy, Amazon, KHNP, and Doosan Enerbility represents a bold step toward addressing the energy challenges of the 21st century. By harnessing the potential of advanced nuclear energy, the collaboration aims to provide a sustainable, secure, and cost-effective power source for data centers, AI infrastructure, and beyond. With up to $50 billion in planned investments and a shared vision for innovation, the alliance is poised to reshape the energy landscape and position the United States as a global leader in nuclear technology and AI-driven growth.
As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, advanced SMRs like the Xe-100 offer a pathway to achieving energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By fostering international collaboration and leveraging the strengths of each partner, this landmark agreement sets the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future powered by advanced nuclear energy.
