Governor Moore Announces Major X-energy Investments in Montgomery and Frederick Counties
BALTIMORE, MD (July 30, 2025) — Governor Wes Moore today announced that X-energy, an advanced nuclear reactor and fuel company, is reinvesting in its Maryland workforce with expansions in two counties. The company, which currently operates from two spaces in Rockville, is consolidating its headquarters to a 125,000 square-foot facility at 9801 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg. X-energy will retain its 260 full-time employees at this new site, with plans to create at least 525 new jobs over the next six years.
“X-energy’s expansion in Montgomery and Frederick counties is an investment in Maryland and in our state’s vital energy and sustainability sector,” said Gov. Moore. “While X-energy works to power our future, we will work hand in hand to make sure all Marylanders feel the benefits of clean energy for years to come and enhance our competitive edge across the region.”
In addition to the headquarters expansion, X-energy purchased a building at 7201 McKinney Circle in Frederick to host the company’s first integrated test and training facility. After it is fully renovated, the 90,000 square-foot building will house facilities for non-nuclear testing and prototyping of critical reactor components to ensure they perform safely and reliably under real-world conditions before full-scale manufacturing and deployment. The facility will also provide training for reactor operators and maintenance technicians using a state-of-the-art, full-scale plant control room simulator, similar to the advanced training simulator currently operating at X-energy’s Plant Support Center, also in Frederick.
“X-energy was founded in Maryland, and we are proud to call this state our home as we enter a period of unprecedented growth,” said X-energy Chief Executive Officer J. Clay Sell. “We look forward to working with Governor Moore and his team to build on the state’s long history of nuclear innovation by making Maryland a national leader in next-generation nuclear technology.”
X-energy is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel technology for clean energy generation, partnering with major megaproject developers and hyperscalers to deliver clean, reliable energy at scale. The company’s first commercial Xe-100 plant is being developed in partnership with the Dow Chemical Company on the Texas Gulf Coast through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. X-energy has also partnered with Amazon and Energy Northwest on a second Xe-100 project in Washington state. As part of its collaboration with Amazon, X-energy has committed to deploying up to five gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2039, the largest commercial deployment of small modular reactors announced to date.
“As X-energy focuses on providing solutions for the clean energy industry, the company is recommitting to its local workforce with two significant investments in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “These new facilities will play a major role in enhancing the company’s clean energy efforts, and with employees rotating between Gaithersburg and Frederick, X-energy’s impact will be felt all throughout the Capital Region.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce is working to approve two conditional loans totaling $2.35 million through Advantage Maryland. Montgomery County is providing up to $500,000 through its Job Creation Fund Program and up to $150,000 through its MOVE Grant Program. The company is also eligible for other state and local tax credits.
“We’re excited that X-energy is doubling down on Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich. “This expansion is a win for our residents, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs and strengthening our position as a center for innovation in clean energy and advanced technology. We are committed to supporting industries that help address climate change while creating more opportunities for our highly skilled and diverse workforce. I appreciate Governor Moore’s leadership in making sure Maryland remains competitive for these types of transformative projects, and I want to thank X-energy for choosing to keep growing right here in Montgomery County.”
“We are thrilled to welcome X-energy’s expansion in Frederick. This significant investment strengthens our tech sector and brings valuable job opportunities to our community,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “X-energy’s innovative work in nuclear reactor and fuel design aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries and sustainable growth in Frederick County.”
“We are thrilled that X-energy has chosen to remain in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair Elana Fine. “This is the result of a strong partnership with X-energy, built over many months of close collaboration. Together we aimed to align their growth goals with the unique assets and incentives Montgomery County offers—including the MOVE Grant and the Montgomery County Job Creation Fund. This decision reflects the shared commitment to innovation that defines our business community.”
“We’re proud to welcome X-energy’s latest expansion here in Frederick County. Their cutting-edge work in advanced energy technology not only strengthens our region’s innovation economy but also positions us at the forefront of clean energy solutions,” said Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity Director Lara Fritts. “This investment underscores our county’s commitment to supporting companies that are solving global challenges and creating high-quality jobs for the future.”
