Curtiss-Wright to Develop Reactivity Control and Shutdown System

Curtiss-Wright Corporation and X-energy jointly announced today that Curtiss-Wright has been selected to develop the Reactivity Control and Shutdown System for the X-energy Xe-100 Generation IV High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor. This effort will leverage Curtiss-Wright’s broad and diverse strengths in nuclear power generation technologies to develop an inclusive package of control rod drive mechanisms, control rods and the associated power supply and control system.

"Curtiss-Wright is one of the leading global suppliers of nuclear reactor technologies, and we are very pleased to announce that we are joining the X-energy team as the supplier of reactivity control equipment supporting their next-generation, advanced reactor design,” said Lynn M. Bamford, President and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “This award is a prime example of Curtiss-Wright’s ability to leverage its unique capabilities and technologies across the enterprise to deliver critical solutions to its customers. Additionally, it continues our long-standing commitment to the future growth of the worldwide nuclear power market and the creation of clean, affordable energy.”

The X-energy’s reactor technology was recently selected under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOEs) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) to receive initial funding as part of a $3.2 billion program to build two advanced nuclear reactors that can be operational within seven years.

X-energy will deliver a commercial four-unit nuclear power plant based on its Xe-100 reactor design. The Xe-100 is a high temperature gas-cooled reactor that is ideally suited to provide flexible electricity output as well as process heat for a wide range of industrial heat applications, such as desalination and hydrogen production. It incorporates a range of design features that will not only enhance safety but make them affordable to construct and operate, paving the way for the United States to deploy highly competitive advanced reactors domestically and globally.