Plans to create a new nuclear power plant in Hartlepool with more than 2,000 jobs have reached an important milestone.

Business X-energy has submitted its Xe-100 advanced nuclear reactor to a key UK regulatory pathway to license new nuclear technologies in the UK.

Subject to acceptance, the submission to the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process is said to mark a signifcant milestone in X-energy and energy firm Centrica’s efforts to generate up to six gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear power in UK.

Hartlepool remains the preferred first site to build a new power plant of up to 12 Advanced Modular Reactors that could power up to 1.5 million homes and generate thousands of local jobs.

X-energy hopes to create a new advanced modular reactor plant on land near the existing Hartlepool Power Station. Inset: Alistair Black.

placeholder image — X-energy hopes to create a new advanced modular reactor plant on land near the existing Hartlepool Power Station. Inset: Alistair Black.

The regulatory assessment, administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency, is expected to conclude by the end of 2029, keeping the Hartlepool project on track.

Alistair Black, X-energy vice president UK market lead, said: “Advanced Modular Reactors like the Xe-100 are the cornerstone of Britain’s future energy security, and would bring clean, reliable power as well as renewed opportunities for British industry.

“We welcome the regulators’ recent steps towards a more efficient GDA process, and look forward to working collaboratively to support an efficient, thorough review.

“GDA submission marks an important milestone in bringing our technology to the UK on a fleet- scale, with the potential to create thousands of high-quality jobs where needs are greatest.”

A new skills academy in support of the nuclear plans is being created in the former Binns store.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash described it as “a major step forward” to making the project a reality.

He said: “This isn’t just another investment. It will be the first Advanced Modular Reactor project anywhere outside the United States.

“Hartlepool isn’t following the world. Hartlepool is leading it.”

Mr Brash said he was continuing to press ministers daily to maintain momentum and make sure nothing stands in the way of the “transformational” project.

Last September X-energy and project partners Centrica signed a Joint Development Agreement at Hartlepool College of Further Education when they laid out the proposal’s intended timeline.

And in March, it was announced that a new Nuclear Skills Academy to help equip future workers is to be created in the town’s former Wilko and Binns building, in Victoria Road.