Grid · Oct 19, 2026, 14:25

Amazon Backs 960MW X-energy SMR Study at Former Indiana Coal Site

AEP and X-energy will study a 960MW plant of twelve Xe-100 SMRs at a retired Indiana coal site, with Amazon funding development and buying the power.

Retired coal plant with substation and transmission lines beside a river in autumn farmland, with new compact buildings — A retired coal site considered for new generation.
Illustration (AI-generated)

Columbus, Ohio, October 19 — American Electric Power (AEP) signed a joint development agreement with X-energy to evaluate a 960MW advanced nuclear plant in Sullivan County, Indiana, with Amazon funding development and planning to purchase the output under a long-term contract.

The site under review is the former Breed Generating Station, a retired coal plant owned by AEP's Indiana Michigan Power (I&M). Construction depends on the project reaching a final investment decision.

The Technical Details

The plan calls for 12 Xe-100 small modular reactors (SMRs), arranged in four-unit groups. The Xe-100 is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that uses helium coolant and TRISO fuel. Plants can use air-cooled, water-cooled or hybrid condensers depending on site conditions.

AEP would own and operate the plant. Amazon says the output would serve both the regional grid and its data centers, and that its contract would cover facility and operating costs for the contract term.

Total capacity: 960MW
Reactor: X-energy Xe-100, 80MW each, 12 units in groups of four