The Kentucky energy provider looks to meet the state’s growing energy needs, including supporting data centers.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another energy source might be introduced to Kentucky.
Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) Company said on Thursday they will
Kentucky formed the Nuclear Energy Development Authority in 2024. The non-regulatory agency aims to support the nuclear energy ecosystem in the Commonwealth, officials said. The Kentucky Public Service Commission also started investigating nuclear energy in 2025, including how it could be regulated.
Beshear also signed the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program into law. It includes a $75 million grant initiative to support additional studies, construction permitting and licensing.
“On the heels of the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program being signed into law this month, we’re proud to work with X-energy to explore bringing nuclear energy to Kentucky to support the significant pipeline of new projects in our service territories where large load customers can support the cost structure,” John R. Crockett III, the president for LG&E and KU, said. “We have an all-of-the-above approach to our power generation fleet that’s among the most reliable in the nation.”
The companies say they have begun early feasibility work to evaluate X-energy’s Xe-100 reactor, a next-generation small modular reactor, and whether it could help meet growing energy demand across Kentucky.
Officials say the effort will also explore how the technology could support long-term grid reliability and serve large energy users, including data centers.
X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell said the collaboration will help determine how nuclear energy could fit into Kentucky’s future.
“Kentucky’s energy leadership and skilled workforce create a strong foundation for evaluating advanced nuclear deployment,” Sell said. “This collaboration allows us to explore how the Xe-100 can support the Commonwealth’s growing electricity demands while strengthening grid reliability and creating economic opportunity across the region.”
The companies say the partnership is part of a broader effort to evaluate reliable, long-term energy options for the state.