Author: Power Peak Digest Team Pub Date: December 16, 2024
GE Vernova’s nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has reached a significant milestone with its BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology, advancing to Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in the UK.
The GDA process began in January 2024 with an initial focus on establishing the scope and schedule for Step 2, which has now been completed.
The BWRX-300, a tenth-generation SMR design, builds on GEH’s extensive experience with boiling water reactors and features a patented safety breakthrough with proven components.
GEH is collaborating with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to develop the first BWRX-300 at OPG’s Darlington site near Toronto, where construction is set to begin in 2025, with commercial operations expected by the end of 2029. The site will eventually house four 300 MW units.
GEH has also signed MoUs with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Amentum, and Laing O’Rourke to enhance the UK supply chain for the BWRX-300, complementing its collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters to explore local contributions to the project.
Additionally, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is co-financing part of the BWRX-300’s licensing through the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund project.
This pan-European deployment approach is designed to leverage licensing experience, reduce risk, and optimize existing production infrastructure, benefiting the UK and Central and Eastern Europe.