GE Vernova's Nuclear Business Advances in Great British Nuclear's SMR Selection

GE Vernova's Nuclear Business Advances in Great British Nuclear's SMR Selection
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Jul 09, 2024

GE Vernova's Nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has submitted its proposal to Great British Nuclear (GBN) as part of the ongoing small modular reactor (SMR) selection process, presenting its BWRX-300 SMR technology.

The BWRX-300 is a 10th generation SMR design that leverages extensive operational experience and innovation. It features a standardized design, a reliable delivery model, and benefits from GEH's expertise in international regulatory collaboration. GEH, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation, is developing the first BWRX-300 at the Darlington site near Toronto. Early site preparation has been completed, with construction set to begin in early 2025 and commercial operations expected by 2029. Four 300 MW units are planned for the Darlington location.

"We have entered this competition with a proven track record of progressing SMR reactor technology internationally, a fuel that is already licensed and in operation, and a reactor designed for manufacture," said Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader. "Our BWRX-300 has evolved from proven, simple, boiling water reactor technology and is not just smaller, but through innovation even further simplified. We believe this uniquely positions us to reliably deliver an SMR with the most value for money and along with our strategic investment partners, be a valuable partner to the UK Government as it strives to reach its net zero target by 2050."

Champ added, "We have a strong and growing team here in the UK, and we are confident that our SMR represents the lowest risk and highest reward choice for Great British Nuclear. We look forward to the outcome of the competition and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping to deliver not just Great British Nuclear's ambitions, but also the new Government's mission to make the UK a green energy superpower."

GE Vernova has a long-standing presence in the UK, with four manufacturing facilities and its technology powering over 30 percent of the country's electricity. GEH is committed to developing a robust UK supply chain for its BWRX-300 rollout, having hosted an SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield earlier this year, which saw participation from over 150 UK businesses. GEH is already collaborating with Sheffield Forgemasters on potential SMR projects and anticipates announcing additional strategic partnerships soon.

In January 2024, GEH received a Pounds 33.6 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Following this, GEH entered the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the BWRX-300.