GE Vernova and UK Industry Explore Small Modular Reactor Deployment at Sheffield Conference
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Mar 22, 2024

In a significant move towards advancing the UK's nuclear energy capabilities, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), a branch of GE Vernova's Nuclear business, recently held a conference in Sheffield, bringing together over 150 UK-based businesses from the nuclear supply chain. The conference aimed at discussing the deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) in the UK, highlighting opportunities for local suppliers in manufacturing, construction, and engineering sectors.

The event featured notable guest speakers, including South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and representatives from the Nuclear Industry Association and Synthos Green Energy (SGE), emphasizing the BWRX-300's role in achieving the UK's goal of 24 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050 and its contribution to decarbonization and energy security.

Sean Sexstone, Executive Vice President, Advanced Nuclear, GEH, underscored the reactor's reliability and the company's commitment to developing a robust UK supply chain. He mentioned the international investments in the technology, positioning the BWRX-300 as a low-risk, high-reward option for Great British Nuclear.

Mayor Oliver Coppard highlighted South Yorkshire's ambition to be central to the next energy and green economy revolutions, leveraging local talent and innovation. Andrew Storer, CEO of Nuclear AMRC, and Tom Greatrex, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, both lauded the initiative for fostering UK supply chain engagement and its significance for the country's energy security and net-zero ambitions.

The conference also touched on the recent Pounds 33.6 million UK Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) grant awarded to GEH, aiding its entry into the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the BWRX-300. This development, coupled with international projects in Canada and collaboration with various global partners, underscores the growing global interest in SMR technology.

GE's longstanding history and contribution to the UK's energy sector were also highlighted, with its technology currently powering approximately 35 percent of the country's electricity.

Related Links
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