23 Daily — According to techcrunch.com, nuclear startup X-energy has received approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct its first four commercial small modular reactors (SMRs) at a Dow chemical plant site in Texas. This marks the first federal construction permit granted for advanced nuclear reactors at an industrial location in the United States, signaling a significant step toward deployment of advanced nuclear technology.
Design and Capabilities of X-energy's Xe-100 Reactors
Each of the four Xe-100 reactors is capable of generating 80 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 200 MW of heat. The reactor design uses helium gas to cool uranium-containing fuel pellets, which X-energy claims offers enhanced safety compared to many existing reactors. While proponents expect the smaller footprint to enable faster construction and reduced costs, no SMRs are currently operational in the U.S., and X-energy anticipates these reactors will come online in the early 2030s.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Review Questions
The Union of Concerned Scientists has questioned X-energy’s safety claims and criticized the NRC's expedited approval process. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the organization, stated that the NRC advanced the permit by deferring critical safety issues that should have been fully addressed before authorizing construction. This highlights ongoing debate over balancing innovation speed with rigorous safety oversight.
Technology Industry Investments Driving Nuclear Innovation
X-energy's $500 million Series C-1 round was led by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, with Amazon also pledging to purchase 5 gigawatts of nuclear capacity, demonstrating strong interest from hyperscalers and data center developers for reliable power sources. Earlier in 2026, X-energy raised
Editor's take: Advanced nuclear as a new frontier amid cost and safety challenges
X-energy’s permit to build four SMRs in Texas represents a landmark for advanced nuclear commercialization in the U.S., potentially offering industrial and tech sectors a stable, scalable energy alternative. Entrepreneurs and investors should monitor the technology’s maturity, cost trajectory, and regulatory environment to balance opportunity against risks. Verification can be done by tracking construction progress, operational performance, cost management, safety records, and market adoption, all critical metrics informing the future viability of nuclear startups and investments.