SGL Carbon and X-energy Expand Nuclear-Grade Graphite Capacity to Support Advanced Reactors
BY Composights
Published: 05 Aug 2026
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SGL Carbon and X-energy have announced plans to expand production capacity for nuclear-grade graphite, strengthening the supply chain for advanced nuclear reactors and supporting the commercialization of next-generation reactor technologies.
The expansion builds on the companies' long-standing collaboration to manufacture high-purity graphite components used in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). Nuclear-grade graphite serves as both a structural material and neutron moderator, making it a critical component in advanced reactor designs that require exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and long-term reliability.
The additional manufacturing capacity is intended to meet the increasing demand for graphite components as advanced nuclear projects progress toward commercial deployment. The investment also aims to establish a resilient domestic supply chain for specialized nuclear materials while reducing dependence on limited global sources.
According to the companies, the expansion will enhance production capabilities for precision-engineered graphite components manufactured to stringent nuclear quality standards. These materials are designed to perform under extreme temperatures and radiation environments while maintaining dimensional stability throughout reactor operation.
The announcement supports X-energy's Xe-100 small modular reactor (SMR) program, which relies on nuclear-grade graphite as a core material for its high-temperature reactor technology. Increasing manufacturing capacity is expected to improve production readiness as deployment of advanced reactors accelerates in the coming years.
Expanding our nuclear-grade graphite production capability represents an important step toward building a reliable supply chain for advanced nuclear energy, the companies said, emphasizing the importance of securing high-quality materials to support future reactor deployment.
The collaboration also reinforces SGL Carbon's position as a supplier of specialty graphite materials for high-performance industrial applications, while helping X-energy strengthen manufacturing readiness for commercial-scale reactor programs.
As global interest in advanced nuclear energy continues to grow, the expanded graphite production capacity is expected to play a key role in supporting the next generation of safer, more efficient, and lower-carbon nuclear power technologies.
Source: SGL Carbon | News
