X-energy, Toyo Tanso sign graphite supply chain agreement

The order is for core structural components made from Toyo Tanso's specialised IG-110 fine-grain isotropic graphite for four Xe-100 units, to be delivered to Dow Inc for the proposed Long Mott Generating Station. The proposed four-unit plant at Dow's Seadrift site on the Texas Gulf Coast will be the first deployment of the Xe-100 high-temperature gas reactor and is expected to be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor deployed to serve an industrial site in North America. The project is being supported by the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.

Prototype production and material qualification are currently under way, Toyo Tanso said. The final design phase is expected to be completed in 2026, after which the manufacturing and processing of the IG-110 components will begin, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

Fine-grain graphite is a critical component of the Xe-100 and other advanced nuclear reactors. The Xe-100 design uses the material as both a neutron moderator and structural component, enabling the reactor to operate at high temperatures while maintaining exceptional safety characteristics. Toyo Tanso is the leading global manufacturer of fine-grain graphite, and its IG-110 isotropic graphite is known for its high thermal resistance and mechanical machining properties with proven operational credentials in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, X-energy said.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the execution of X-energy’s first commercial project, and supports "robust United States and allied SMR supply chain development", the company said. It is in separate discussions with Toyo Tanso regarding graphite components for a second Xe-100 project, the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility with Energy Northwest in Washington state: according to Toyo Tanso, an advance payment agreement has already been signed in preparation for the potential supply of graphite core structural components for four Xe-100 units to be delivered to Energy Northwest.

X-energy has other customer agreements in the USA and UK, and said the agreement with Toyo Tanso is expected to provide a strong foundation for partnership on future projects.

"World-class technology demands a world-class team, and Toyo Tanso's proven track record is a powerful addition to that team," said X-energy CEO Clay Sell. "This is an important step forward on our path to the commercial market, securing a critical supply chain component for our first deployment with one of the world’s leading nuclear suppliers."