Global Partnership for Small Modular Reactor Technology Development

Strategic Insights -

Tennessee Valley Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and Synthos Green Energy have partnered to develop the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology. This collaboration aims to create a standard design that can be licensed and deployed across multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, the U.S., Poland, and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership will invest around $400 million in the development of the BWRX-300 standard design and detailed design for key components.
  • The collaboration will form a Design Center Working Group to ensure the standard design is deployable in multiple jurisdictions.
  • The BWRX-300 is being designed to reduce construction and operating costs below other nuclear power generation technologies.
  • Site preparation is underway for a BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Clarington, Ontario, with construction expected to be complete by the end of 2028.
  • TVA is preparing a construction permit application for a BWRX-300 at the Clinch River Site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and exploring additional sites in the TVA service area for potential SMR deployments.
  • ORLEN Synthos Green Energy, a joint venture between SGE and PKN Orlen, has initiated a site selection process for its proposed first BWRX-300 in Poland, with the intention to deploy the first unit by the end of this decade.

Statistics:

  • Total investment for the development of the BWRX-300 standard design and detailed design for key components is around $400 million.
  • Construction of a BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Clarington, Ontario, is expected to be complete by the end of 2028.
  • TVA is investing in the development of the BWRX-300 technology.
  • Synthos Green Energy is committing to shaping the standard design of the GEH BWRX-300.
  • ORLEN Synthos Green Energy has initiated a site selection process for its proposed first BWRX-300 in Poland.

Sources:

  • Tennessee Valley Authority
  • GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • Synthos Green Energy
  • ORLEN Synthos Green Energy