GE Vernova’s nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has achieved a significant milestone with its BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology by advancing to the next step of the generic design assessment (GDA) in the UK.
This progress underscores the commitment to meeting the highest standards for safety, security and environmental protection in nuclear reactor designs.
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The first step of GEH’s GDA, initiated in January 2024, focused on establishing the scope and schedule for Step 2, which has now been successfully completed.
The commencement of Step 2 marks a pivotal moment in the GDA process, ensuring that the BWRX-300 SMR design adheres to stringent regulatory requirements.
GEH’s BWRX-300, a tenth-generation SMR design, combines a patented safety breakthrough with proven components.
It builds on decades of boiling water reactor experience and innovation, utilising a standard design and a proven delivery model. This design benefits from GEH’s expertise in cross-border regulatory collaboration.
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By GlobalDataIn collaboration with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), GEH is developing the first BWRX-300 at OPG’s Darlington site near Toronto.
Early site preparation is complete, with construction set for 2025 and commercial operation expected by the end of 2029. The Darlington site plans to host four 300MW units.
GEH UK country leader Andy Champ stated: “Progressing to Step 2 of the GDA demonstrates our unwavering desire to deliver a fleet of nuclear reactors in the UK. Our design will be tried and tested through our partnership with OPG to deploy the first civil SMR in the G7.”
GEH is committed to enhancing its UK supply chain for the BWRX-300, having signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Amentum and Laing O’Rourke.
These agreements complement GEH’s collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters to explore the contribution of Sheffield-based forgings to the BWRX-300 deployment in the UK.
GEH senior project director Chris Southern stated: “This significant milestone underscores GEH’s commitment to advancing SMR technology safely in the UK. Our BWRX-300 technology builds on our already proven BWR design, offering not only a smaller but simpler modular reactor, without sacrificing safety responses or operational performance.”
ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is co-financing part of the BWRX-300’s licensing with GEH through the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund project.
OSGE CEO Rafał Kasprów stated: “Congratulations to GEH on the successful and on-schedule completion of GDA Step 1 and the transition to GDA Step 2 of the BWRX-300 in the UK.
“In the European market, pan-European SMR platforms are beginning to emerge, based on GEH’s proven technology. This allows for leveraging invaluable licensing experience in the nuclear industry, utilising existing supply chains and simplifying access to financing.
“From our perspective, the simultaneous deployment of BWRX-300 technology in several European countries significantly reduces risk, is attractive to investors and ensures optimal use of existing production infrastructure, including in the UK and Central and Eastern Europe.”
