WILMINGTON, North Carolina (December 11, 2025) – The GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) has successfully completed Step 2 of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process.

Following the completion of Step 1 in December 2024, GVH has now received official confirmation that Step 2 has been finalized. The GDA process is conducted by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency (EA), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to verify that new nuclear technologies meet stringent safety, security, and environmental standards. According to statements from ONR and EA, the Step 2 review did not identify any significant issues related to safety, security, safeguards, or environmental protection in the BWRX-300 design.

“Reaching Step 2 completion in the GDA process represents a major regulatory achievement,” said Andy Champ. “This is the fastest progression through Steps 1 and 2 by any technology provider, highlighting the benefits of our ongoing construction work in Canada and confirming the continued global advancement of the BWRX-300.”

As part of its strategy to deploy the BWRX-300 in Poland and across Eastern Europe, Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) co-invested in the UK GDA process through the government’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund initiative, gaining valuable regulatory insights.

“Today marks another important step toward delivering affordable, clean, and reliable energy for the UK,” said Rafał Kasprów. “With the completion of GDA Step 2, the BWRX-300 continues to demonstrate its position as one of the most deployment-ready SMR technologies globally.”

Global momentum behind the BWRX-300 continues to grow. Construction of the first unit is underway at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site near Toronto, where four reactors are planned. In the United States, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing an application from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build the first BWRX-300 at the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Additional support for the standard design is being provided by organizations including Duke Energy and Synthos Green Energy in Poland. These developments reinforce GVH’s leadership in advancing and commercializing SMR technology worldwide.

About GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is a global leader in nuclear services, fuel solutions, and advanced reactor technologies, operating through a strategic alliance between GE Vernova and Hitachi. Its portfolio includes boiling water reactors and small modular reactors such as the BWRX-300, designed to combine simplicity with innovation.

GE Vernova’s nuclear fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), is a leading provider of boiling water reactor fuel and engineering services. GNF operates primarily through Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan Co., Ltd. in Kurihama, Japan.

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