Tennessee Valley Authority’s investment in the small modular reactor, slated for its Clinch River site, is part of a technical collaboration and utility/supply chain coalition.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission received its first application for the construction of a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Each BWRX-300 provides approximately 300 MW of electricity.
“TVA’s investment in the standard design of the BWRX-300 technology will accelerate its deployment, helping meet the rising demand for energy and enhancing energy security,” said Craig Ranson, President & CEO, GVH. “This milestone, in addition to this month’s decision by the Province of Ontario to build the western world’s first SMR, demonstrates that this technology is advanced and real.”
TVA plans to use the SMR at the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The investment is part of a technical collaboration agreement among Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Synthos Green Energy, and GVH. TVA also leads a coalition of utility companies and supply chain partners that applied for an $800 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to accelerate the nation’s first SMR construction.
Only last week, the Province of Ontario and OPG approved the construction phase for GVH’s first BWRX-300 SMR at OPG’s Darlington site. Completion is expected by 2030, and three additional SMRs are planned for future installation at this location.
“As the world looks to adopt SMR technology, we are proud to be embarking on construction of the first BWRX-300 with OPG, AtkinsRéalis, and Aecon,” said Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GVH. “Ontario's supply chain is expected to contribute significantly to this project, bringing substantial economic benefits to the province, including creating thousands of jobs during manufacturing, construction, and operation.”
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 small modular reactor; credit: GE Vernova
Earlier this year, Duke Energy also signed on to invest in advancing the BWRX-300 SMR’s standard design and licensing. American Electric Power also selected the BWRX-300 for potential deployment at the Indiana Michigan Power Rockport Plant in Spencer County, Indiana, pending approval of the DOE funding request that TVA is leading.
