TRISO-X tops out vertical construction at its Tennessee advanced nuclear fuel plant, giving the U.S. fuel supply chain a new factory shell to fill
The United States nuclear energy landscape continues to rapidly evolve, with a variety of companies competing to spearhead it and determine future energy generation strategies. The integration of technology and dependence on technological innovation means that there are endless possibilities for developers who are looking to push the boundaries and execute ambitious clean energy projects. As a nuclear energy-producing leading nation, the U.S. will be hoping to maintain that position and further solidify itself as a powerhouse. On that note, TRISO-X tops out vertical construction at its Tennessee advanced nuclear fuel plant, giving the U.S. fuel supply chain a new factory shell to fill.
TRISO-X continues to make massive strides in nuclear energy production
TRISO-X has been one of the busiest nuclear energy companies in the world in 2026. TRISO-X is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-energy that develops and manufactures advanced nuclear fuel for small modular reactors. The company’s core mission is to produce robust, commercial-scale nuclear fuel that makes traditional core meltdowns physically impossible.
X-energy is a leading designer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and fuel technology developed to establish a new standard in clean, safe, reliable energy. X-energy’s intrinsically safe Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor and TRISO-X particle fuel expand applications for nuclear technology, with commercial projects across grid, industrial, and AI.
X-energy’s technology drives enhanced safety, lower cost, faster construction timelines, and scalable deployment when compared with other SMRs and traditional nuclear. The forward-thinking nature of the company is among the reasons why industry experts believe it will be responsible for shaping the way that companies approach nuclear energy generation for many years to come.
Maintaining momentum: TRISO-X tops out vertical construction at its Tennessee plant
A press release from TRISO-X announced the completion of vertical construction at TX-1, its first-in-the-nation advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. There has been a tremendous amount of focus on this initiative, considering that the company is seeking to establish something that it has never done in the past.
The milestone represents the completion of the primary building structure of the 214,000-square-foot facility. It allows the project to advance fully into its next phase of construction, including interior buildout, installation of fuel fabrication equipment, and continued construction of supporting facilities. Energy projects often have energy companies at the forefront without necessarily acknowledging the long list of other entities that are involved in the establishment of a facility.
Clark Construction Group continues to serve as construction contractor, leading interior buildout of that facility’s process equipment and administration building, installation of fuel fabrication equipment, and construction of an adjacent graphite matrix powder building. TRISO-X recently revealed that it had initiated elements of this next phase as vertical construction is now closer to completion.
An overview of Tennessee’s nuclear energy landscape as of 2026
The U.S. has shown an interest in diversifying the energy portfolio of every state and ensuring that there is a consistent supply of clean energy everywhere. Tennessee is a top-10 U.S. state for nuclear generation, anchored by existing major facilities, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and upcoming next-generation projects. Two active nuclear plants (Watts Bar and Sequoyah) provide an estimated 42% to 49% of in-state electricity.
Looking ahead: TRISO-X set to enjoy a record-breaking nuclear year
With the year now wrapping up, TRISO-X has achieved a lot of milestones despite not showing any intentions of slowing down. Joel Duling, President of TRISO-X, stated the following:
“Completing vertical construction is a major milestone for TX-1 and another tangible demonstration of the progress our team is making in Oak Ridge. We are moving from constructing the core and shell of the facility to building out the interior utilities, installing manufacturing equipment, and constructing key support capabilities.”
Once operational, TX-1 is expected to produce an estimated 700,000 TRISO-X fuel pebbles annually, which is equal to 5 metric tons of uranium (MTU), with capacity to provide fuel for up to 11 Xe-100 reactors.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
