X-Energy and Hartlepool Further Education College

Nuclear firm X-energy and leading UK energy investor Centrica have outlined the important next steps for deploying the UK’s first Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) power station in Hartlepool, hosting a major event at Hartlepool College of Further Education (HCFE).

The event followed the September announcement of a Joint Development Agreement between the companies to deploy the UK’s first AMRs, with Hartlepool as the preferred location for the first project.

This landmark transatlantic partnership paves the way for a national fleet of up to 6 Gigawatts (GW) of advanced nuclear capacity in the UK, using X-energy’s Xe-100 reactor – enough power for over 9 million homes.

The occasion marked the formal agreement between the companies, and kicks off a new phase of community and stakeholder engagement aimed at bringing this transformational project to the town.

The new power station is projected to generate enough clean energy to power 1.5 million homes and is set to mobilise more than £12 billion in lifetime economic value for the region, creating thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs in construction and hundreds more for 60 years of operations.

The event will convene local leaders, industry partners and Government officials. Discussion will address the approach to delivering this groundbreaking project, and the community collaboration needed to place Hartlepool at the heart of the UK’s nuclear future.

X-energy statement

Alistair Black, Senior Director and UK Market Lead at X-energy, said: “We’re at the start of major development for Hartlepool, regional economic growth and the UK’s energy security.

Our agreement with Centrica puts us in the ideal position to assess the site in detail and move into development.

We want to do this in partnership with the local community and leverage the region’s nuclear expertise and infrastructure to deploy the UK’s first AMR power station.”

Centrica statement

Denis O’Sullivan, Development Director at Centrica Power, said: “Centrica is committed to securing a resilient, low-carbon energy system for the UK, and Hartlepool is the ideal location to pioneer this advanced nuclear technology.

Delivering this new power station will not only secure a stable, clean energy source but also create thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs for decades to come.

We look forward to working closely with EDF, local partners and others to ensure this project delivers maximum benefit to the community.”

Hartlepool College involvement

The choice of Hartlepool College of Further Education, is deliberate, highlighting the critical role education will play in supplying the project’s future workforce.

Gary Riches, Vice Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “Hartlepool College of Further Education is thrilled to be hosting a second X-energy event after the supply chain conference last year.

It further cements our commitment to supporting this exciting development.

We’re ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce, equipping local people with the skills and expertise required to thrive in this industry.

By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive growth in our region.”

Aysha Erguls, a second-year Safety Health and Environment (SHE) apprentice with Costain, will deliver a staff wellbeing safety presentation.

She said: “As a Safety Health and Environment Technician I feel honoured to represent Costain Construction at such a significant event.

I hope future apprentices who secure careers in this new development led by X-energy feel the same way.”

Event details

The event, which is set to feature contributions from X-energy, Centrica, EDF, Government, and senior local figures, will run from 11.30 to 14.30, with a presentation and Q&A session from 12.00 to 13:30, followed by a buffet lunch and networking.

It represents a pivotal moment for Hartlepool, the North-East, and the UK’s clean energy future.

Local leadership reaction

Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool MP, said: “This is the biggest deal in Hartlepool’s history and a pivotal moment for Britain’s clean energy future.

“The partnership between X-energy and Centrica puts our town at the forefront of advanced nuclear innovation, bringing thousands of high-quality jobs, billions in economic value, and reliable, low-carbon power for generations to come.

I’m proud that Hartlepool will lead the way in building the next era of British energy.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “X-Energy and Centrica’s commitment to Hartlepool is a huge vote of confidence in the skills and expertise of our workforce, and shows that our region’s rich history and decades of experience in nuclear make it the best place in the country to develop new nuclear.

“I’ve always been clear that every pound of new investment must mean real jobs for local people at every stage of their careers, so it’s fantastic to see this UK-first project drawing on local content and making use of the enormous talent we’ve got on tap across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This is truly a game-changing moment for Hartlepool – one of the most significant investments in our town’s history.

“The decision to bring the UK’s first advanced modular reactor power station here is not just a vote of confidence in Hartlepool, it’s a bold signal that we are leading the way in nuclear energy innovation.

“This project will create thousands of high-quality jobs, inject over £12 billion into the local economy, and power 1.5 million homes – all from right here in Hartlepool. We are proud, excited and ready to seize this opportunity as this project progresses.”