LG&E and KU, the regulated subsidiaries of PPL Corporation, announced a partnership with X‑energy, Inc. to evaluate the deployment of X‑energy’s Xe‑100 small modular reactor (SMR) in Kentucky. The collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of installing the 80 MWe high‑temperature gas‑cooled reactor in the Commonwealth to meet growing energy demand, including that of large‑load customers such as data centers.
The Xe‑100 is a Generation IV SMR that is factory‑built, transportable, and designed for modular assembly on site. Its high‑temperature gas‑cooled design and TRISO fuel pebbles provide a safety profile that makes meltdowns effectively impossible, positioning it as one of the safest nuclear designs on the market today. The reactor’s 80 MWe output can be scaled to 320 MWe with a four‑unit configuration, offering a flexible solution for utilities seeking to diversify their generation mix.
Kentucky has recently enacted a $75 million grant program under the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program to support feasibility studies for nuclear sites. The program, signed into law in April 2026, follows the establishment of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority in 2024 and a regulatory case opened by the Kentucky Public Service Commission in 2025 to investigate nuclear energy. These initiatives create a supportive regulatory environment for the partnership.
PPL’s “Utility of the Future” strategy focuses on modernization, resilience, and the integration of cleaner energy solutions. By exploring the Xe‑100, LG&E and KU are positioning themselves to meet the high‑power demands of data‑center projects in the region, a sector that has become a significant driver of electricity consumption in Kentucky. The partnership represents a strategic shift for PPL, adding advanced nuclear technology to its generation mix and potentially establishing the company as a preferred power partner for hyperscalers and other large‑load customers.
"We appreciate Governor Beshear, the General Assembly and the Kentucky Public Service Commission prioritizing nuclear energy in the Commonwealth to help ensure we maintain and build upon our strong competitive energy advantage with reliable and affordable power," said John R. Crockett III, President for LG&E and KU. "On the heels of the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program being signed into law this month, we're proud to work with X‑energy to explore bringing nuclear energy to Kentucky to support the significant pipeline of new projects in our service territories where large load customers can support the cost structure."
"We have an all‑of‑the‑above approach to our power generation fleet that's among the most reliable in the nation. This collaboration will explore whether nuclear energy fits into our long‑term plans. The X‑energy Xe‑100 reactor is one of the Gen 4 nuclear SMRs being developed in the U.S. today and is one of the safest nuclear designs on the market today. We look forward to working with X‑energy and hyperscalers on this effort and the prospect of participating in the new pilot program," added Crockett.
"Kentucky's energy leadership and skilled workforce create a strong foundation for evaluating advanced nuclear deployment. This collaboration allows us to explore how the Xe‑100 can support the Commonwealth's growing electricity demands while strengthening grid reliability and creating economic opportunity across the region," said J. Clay Sell, Chief Executive Officer of X‑energy.
X‑energy has secured significant funding, raising $1 billion in its IPO on April 24, 2026, and has existing agreements with Dow Chemical, Amazon, and Centrica. The partnership with LG&E and KU is the first step toward demonstrating the Xe‑100’s viability in a regulated utility setting, potentially opening the door to broader deployment across the United States. Kentucky currently has no operating nuclear reactors, making this collaboration a pioneering effort in the state’s energy landscape.
The partnership underscores PPL’s commitment to diversifying its generation portfolio and aligns with Kentucky’s emerging nuclear initiatives, positioning the company to meet the energy needs of data‑center developers and other large‑load customers while advancing its “Utility of the Future” strategy.
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