LG&E, Kentucky Utilities, X-energy to plan small modular reactor deployment

Staff Writer | May 4, 2026 | 3:53 pm Energy Suppliers & Equipment USA Uranium

SMRs are advanced nuclear energy systems designed to generate clean, reliable energy through a smaller, more flexible design. AI-generated stock image by Vadym.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU), both part of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), said they are exploring the use of small modular reactors (SMR) developed by X-energy (NASDAQ: XE) to meet growing energy demand.

The companies have begun early project feasibility activities and will explore opportunities for deploying the Xe-100 SMRs to support long-term grid reliability across the Commonwealth (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia) and large load customers, including data centers.

This collaboration follows recent significant interest in nuclear energy in the Bluegrass State as a reliable option for baseload power generation, designed to be available at any time and in all conditions, X-energy said.

In 2024, the Commonwealth formed the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, a non-regulatory agency seeking to support the nuclear energy ecosystem in Kentucky, and the Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a case in 2025 to investigate nuclear energy, including how Kentucky would regulate nuclear development.

In April, Governor Andy Beshear signed into law the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program passed by the General Assembly, which includes a $75 million grant initiative to support nuclear site feasibility studies, applications for early site and construction permitting, and licensing. Three projects will be selected to receive up to $25 million each.

“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,” LG&E and KU president John R. Crockett III said in a news release.

“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,” Crockett said.

“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.”

“Kentucky’s energy leadership and skilled workforce create a strong foundation for evaluating advanced nuclear deployment,” X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell said.

“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.”