Centrica, X-energy Advance Nuclear Plans as UK Regulators to Begin Design Review for Xe-100, (but with a warning)

Oklo Inc. (OKLO) and X-Energy Inc. (XE) gained in after-hours trading after joining a $200M federal initiative to build nuclear power plants for AI data centers. The program includes Microsoft (MSFT) and Nvidia (NVDA), with $60M allocated to labs and universities. The initiative aims to accelerate reactor construction and reduce staffing needs, addressing rising electricity demand and grid strain.

Shares of Oklo (OKLO), NuScale Power (SMR), and X-Energy (XE) surged after the U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, which may boost demand for their small modular reactors as data center power sources. XE stock rose 12.08% to $16.33. Analysts see 106% upside for XE, with a $33.71 average price target.

U.S. nuclear stocks surged after the House passed the Ratepayers Protection Act, which shifts power upgrade costs to data centers. Oklo (OKLO) rose 11%, NuScale (SMR) gained 9%, Nano Nuclear (NNE) up 8.5%, Centrus (LEU) rose 8%, and X-Energy (XE) closed 12% higher. The bill may boost demand for nuclear power solutions for AI data centers.

X-Energy's (XE) Xe-100 reactor design entered the UK's Generic Design Assessment, a 3-year review. The company plans up to 6 GW capacity across 10-20 power stations. XE's stock is down 48.54% YTD, trading at $15.03 with a P/S ratio of 28.7x, higher than industry and peer averages. Analysts forecast continued losses for the next 3 years.

Centrica (LSE:CAN) and X-Energy (NASDAQ:XE) announced the Xe-100 small modular reactor has entered the UK's Generic Design Assessment process, a regulatory review expected to take three years. The partnership aims to deploy up to 6 GW of new nuclear capacity, potentially involving 10-20 reactors. The Xe-100 can produce 80 MW of electricity or 200 MW of thermal energy. X-energy is also developing projects in the US with Dow Inc. and Energy Northwest.

Centrica and X-Energy announced the UK's acceptance of the Xe-100 reactor into the Generic Design Assessment, a key step for commercial licensing. They plan to deploy up to 6 GW of nuclear capacity. The assessment is expected to take 3 years. X-Energy's CEO highlighted the regulatory progress and collaboration with Centrica.