X-energy Appoints Joel Duling as President of its TRISO-X Advanced Nuclear Fuel Unit

OAK RIDGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy” or the “Company”), a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation, today announced the appointment of Joel Duling as President of the Company’s TRISO-X advanced nuclear fuel fabrication and development subsidiary. With more than 35 years of leadership experience in nuclear operations, manufacturing, and complex program management, Duling brings a wealth of expertise to this critical role.

As President of TRISO-X, Duling will lead X-energy’s efforts to commercialize its proprietary TRISO fuel, considered “the most robust nuclear fuel on the planet” by the U.S. Department of Energy. He will oversee the construction and opening of the company’s TX-1 advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. His leadership will be key in scaling fuel production to support the deployment of X-energy’s advanced reactor technologies.

“Joel’s deep expertise in nuclear operations and manufacturing makes him the ideal choice to lead TRISO-X as we continue to bring our technology to the market,” said J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy. “Joel’s proven ability to grow businesses while maintaining safety and efficiency across operations are tremendous assets to help X-energy accelerate the commercialization of TRISO-X fuel and enable the deployment of advanced nuclear at scale.”

Duling joins TRISO-X from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (“PNNL”), where he served as Associate Laboratory Director for Operational Systems. In this role, he oversaw the PNNL’s project execution, nuclear operations, safety, and general infrastructure operations. Duling previously held various leadership roles at BWX Technologies, Inc. for nearly two decades, including serving as president of its Nuclear Operations Group and as president of Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. in Erwin, Tennessee. During his tenure, he spearheaded significant business growth, operational management, and strategic initiatives.

“I am honored to join TRISO-X and X-energy at such an exciting time in the nuclear energy industry,” said Duling. “The demand for advanced nuclear solutions is growing rapidly as the world seeks cleaner, more reliable energy sources. TRISO-X is uniquely positioned to meet that demand with its cutting-edge fuel technology. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to advance our goals, bring TRISO-X fuel to market, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.”

Duling holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biophysical Systems and Chemistry from Northern Michigan University, a graduate certification in Applied Nuclear Energy from Idaho State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.

About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.