GE Vernova moves forward with UK Small Modular Reactor competition

GE Vernova moves forward with UK Small Modular Reactor competition
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Sep 27, 2024

GE Vernova's nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has successfully advanced to the next stage of Great British Nuclear's (GBN) competition for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

This competition is part of the UK government's efforts to revitalize nuclear power and position the country at the forefront of global nuclear technology development. Four candidates have made the shortlist, and the next phase will provide these companies an opportunity to secure government contracts.

The GEH design, known as the BWRX-300, represents the 10th generation of SMR technology. It is based on years of operational experience and innovation, featuring a standard design, a proven delivery model, and the company's expertise in regulatory collaboration across borders. GEH, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), is building the first BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington site near Toronto. Preliminary site work has been completed, with construction set to begin in 2025, and the first commercial operation expected by the end of 2029. The Darlington site will eventually host four 300 MW units.

Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader, remarked, "We have big ambitions for deploying our SMR technology in the UK, so we are proud to advance to the next stage of GBN's competition. With site works already underway in Canada for our first BWRX-300 - the most advanced SMR project in the G7 - we are in a strong position to lead SMR deployment in the UK by leveraging our expertise in other markets."

Sean Sexstone, Executive Vice President of Advanced Nuclear at GEH, added: "As the UK looks to deliver cleaner, cheaper and reliable energy solutions, the BWRX-300 offers a simplified, safer and scalable design that is tried and tested. We are ready to partner with GBN and the UK Government to deliver on our shared nuclear ambitions in the UK, accelerating the energy transition at pace."

GE Vernova's presence in the UK is already significant, with four manufacturing facilities, and its technology currently powers over 30% of the country's electricity.

To support the deployment of the BWRX-300 in the UK, GEH has expanded its UK supply chain through a series of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with companies such as Aecon, AtkinsRealis, Jacobs, and Laing O'Rourke. These partnerships build upon GEH's existing collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters, which is exploring how the company's forgings can contribute to the BWRX-300 project. Earlier this year, GEH also hosted a SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield that attracted over 150 UK businesses.