X-Energy, Inc.
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- X-Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XE) ("X-energy" or "the Company"), a leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technology, today announced that Joel Duling will retire from full-time executive leadership as president of TRISO-X, its wholly-owned nuclear fuels subsidiary, effective November 20, 2026. After more than four decades of exemplary leadership across nuclear operations, manufacturing, and program management, including leading TRISO-X through several significant milestones in its commercial development and construction, Duling has decided to step back from day-to-day leadership responsibilities to devote more time to his health, family, and personal priorities.
Duling will remain a part-time employee of X-energy as a senior advisor to Chief Executive Officer J. Clay Sell, supporting the company's strategic fuel partnerships and fuel supply chain development, as well as the transition to the next president of TRISO-X. Following Duling's transition, Jason Hatfield, TRISO-X vice president and chief of staff, will assume interim leadership of TRISO-X, while X-energy's Global Chief Operating Officer Dragan Popovic will continue to provide integration and oversight of the construction of the TX-1 fuel fabrication facility as part of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The Company is in the process of evaluating internal and external candidates for a permanent successor.
"Joel has been an extraordinary leader whose contributions have established a strong foundation for the future growth of TRISO-X," said J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy. "Under his leadership, TRISO-X has built an exceptional team and established critical building blocks for the development of an unprecedented commercial advanced nuclear fuel supply chain. Out of complete respect for Joel, but with considerable initial reluctance, I have accepted Joel's decision to devote more of his time to his health, family, and personal priorities, and I am personally grateful that he will continue to play a meaningful role within X-energy as a key strategic advisor."
Under Duling's leadership, TRISO-X has achieved several important milestones critical for continued growth. These include advancing construction of the first purpose-built commercial TRISO fuel fabrication facility in the United States, securing the first U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission license to commercially manufacture high-assay low-enriched uranium based TRISO fuel, and submitting the first advanced nuclear fuel fabricated for commercial use to enter irradiation testing at Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Test Reactor.