Amazon-Backed Startup Secures License to Manufacture Advanced Nuclear Fuel in the US

• February 14, 2026

A promising American startup backed by Amazon has reached a significant milestone in the nuclear energy sector. On February 13, 2026, X-energy’s subsidiary TRISO-X was granted a commercial manufacturing license by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to produce advanced nuclear fuel made from high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). This marks the first issuance of a new license for a nuclear fuel fabrication facility in the United States in more than half a century.

Advancing Nuclear Fuel Production

X-energy, a young company focused on developing innovative nuclear technologies, obtained regulatory authorization to manufacture HALEU-based fuel — a crucial component for next-generation nuclear reactors. HALEU differs from traditional nuclear fuel by its higher concentration of uranium-235, which enables improved reactor efficiency and safety. This fuel type is increasingly regarded as essential for new reactor designs aiming to expand clean energy sources.

The license awarded to TRISO-X allows commercial production of nuclear fuel using TRISO (tristructural isotropic) particle technology. TRISO fuel particles consist of tiny ceramic-coated uranium kernels designed to withstand extreme temperatures and enhance safety compared to conventional fuels. The ability to produce such advanced fuel domestically is a strategic step in supporting the deployment of next-generation reactors capable of providing carbon-free energy.

This regulatory approval marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. nuclear industry, as it signals renewed progress in nuclear fuel manufacturing after decades of stagnation. The last license granted for a new nuclear fuel fabrication facility dates back over 50 years, highlighting the significance of this development. It underscores growing efforts within the US to revitalize the nuclear energy sector by enabling innovative technologies to reach the market.

Amazon’s investment in X-energy reflects a broader trend among technology and venture capital firms to support clean energy advancements. While Amazon is primarily known as a global technology and e-commerce leader, its backing of nuclear energy startups indicates an expanding interest in sustainable and scalable energy technologies.

With this new license, X-energy’s TRISO-X is positioned to play an instrumental role in supplying fuel for advanced reactors, which are anticipated to be more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly. These reactors could help meet increasing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader goals to address climate change.

The move also strengthens the domestic supply chain for advanced nuclear materials, reducing reliance on foreign sources and enhancing national energy security. It could encourage additional investment and innovation in nuclear fuel technologies and reactor designs moving forward.

Details on production capacity, timelines, and commercial agreements for the fuel produced under this license have not been disclosed. However, the milestone is considered a key enabler for the next phase of nuclear energy innovation in the United States, paving the way for modern reactors to become commercially viable and widely adopted.

Overall, the NRC’s licensing of TRISO-X represents a significant step toward expanding the role of advanced nuclear power in the U.S. energy landscape, driven by cutting-edge fuel technology and strategic investments from major technology players like Amazon.

X-energy, supported by Amazon, gains US regulatory approval to produce next-gen nuclear fuel using HALEU, a first in over 50 years.