GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Obtains Construction Approval for BWRX-300 SMR in Ontario

The Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) approved the construction phase for GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GVH) first BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG’s Darlington site. Completion is expected by 2030, with three additional SMRs 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, the creation of thousands of jobs during manufacturing, construction, and operation.”

The BWRX-300 is a boiling-water reactor that generates 300 MW of power and uses a standard design, leveraging nine previous generations of development. It uses commercially available fuel and features a minimized footprint, requiring less concrete and steel for construction. The low-cost BWRX-300 can be deployed across numerous applications, including:

• Electricity generation
• Hydrogen production
• Desalination
• District heating
• Coal-to-nuclear plant conversion

Rendering of BWRX-300 SMR facility; image credit: GE Vernova

With a smaller footprint and cooling with steam condensation and gravity, GVH’s SMR offers less capital cost per MW compared to water-cooled models. The cooling method allows the BWRX-300 to rest for seven days without power or operator intervention.

Aecon provides construction services, including project management, construction planning, and execution for OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project; AtkinsRéalis is the architect and engineer for OPG’s project. The consortium completed Darlington’s preliminary site preparation work and, in April, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensed OPG to build the first BWRX-300-equipped SMR unit.

“In deploying the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor, Ontario is leading the way globally in the deployment of SMRs,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power, GE Vernova. “Our work with OPG and project partners will serve as a benchmark for the global nuclear industry.”

In April 2024, GVH began forming a consortium of supply chain companies to accelerate the deployment of its BWRX-300 SMR. The first company to join GVH’s group is BWXT Canada, specializing in the design, manufacture, and service of commercial nuclear components. To be eligible for selection to the group, a supplier must meet pre-defined criteria, customer requirements, and display a willingness to invest in BWRX-300 supply chain capabilities.

U.K. Deployment

In September 2024, GVH signed multiple memorandums of understanding with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, and Laing O’Rourke to advance potential BWRX-300 deployment in the United Kingdom. Currently, the BWRX-300 technology is progressing through Great British Nuclear’s SMR selection competition.The MoUs allow GVH to leverage project experience to progress SMR deployment in the United Kingdom.

GVH’s collaboration with Jacobs will facilitate design capabilities specified to the U.K. environment, while Laing O’Rourke will support program development through modern construction methods. These agreements build on a partnership with Sheffield Forgemasters to utilize the company’s forgings for BWRX-300 deployment. GVH is building a U.K. supply chain for the BWRX-300 SMR, holding an SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield in 2024.

In January 2024, GVH received a €33.6 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund grant from the U.K. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. In addition, GVH entered the Generic Design Assessment process for the BWRX-300. GVH’s SMR uses a combination of existing fuel, plant simplifications, proven components, and a design based on a Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified reactor.