GE Vernova SMR reactor advances to Step 2 of UK regulatory approval process

GE Vernova SMR reactor advances to Step 2 of UK regulatory approval process
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Dec 13, 2024

GE Vernova's nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has achieved a key milestone with the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology advancing to Step 2 of the UK's Generic Design Assessment (GDA). This progression highlights the design's compliance with stringent safety, security, and environmental standards.

Initiated in January 2024, Step 1 of the GDA focused on defining the scope and schedule for Step 2, which begins today. The BWRX-300 is GEH's 10th generation SMR, featuring innovative safety advancements combined with proven components. It builds upon decades of boiling water reactor operation, employing a standardized design and delivery model alongside cross-border regulatory expertise.

Development of the first BWRX-300 is underway in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) at the Darlington site near Toronto. With site preparation complete, construction is set to begin in 2025, targeting commercial operations by 2029. Plans include four 300 MW units at the site.

Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader, said: "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. This means we have extensive experience across the full nuclear lifecycle, with a proven track record deploying reactor technology on time and on budget."

Chris Southern, Senior Project Director at GEH, added: "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. We remain dedicated to demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of our SMR technology as we progress through Great British Nuclear's SMR competition."

Rafal Kasprow, CEO of ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), said: "Congratulations to GEH on the successful and on-schedule completion of GDA Step 1 and the transition to the 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, utilizing 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 (CEE)."

GE Vernova's UK operations include four manufacturing facilities and a significant role in powering over 30 percent of the nation's electricity. The company is committed to strengthening its UK supply chain, recently signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Aecon, AtkinsRealis, Amentum, and Laing O'Rourke. A prior collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters explored contributions of Sheffield's forgings to BWRX-300 deployment, reinforced by a recent SMR supply chain conference attended by over 150 UK businesses.