17.June
GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan Strengthen Partnership to Advance BWRX-300 SMR Deployment Across Europe
Collaboration leverages expertise from the first SMR under construction in the Western world at Darlington, Ontario, enhancing supply chain readiness for upcoming European projects
PARIS (June 17, 2026) — GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Canadian industrial valve manufacturer Velan have announced an expanded partnership to evaluate Velan’s role in supplying Reactor Integral Isolation Valves (RIIV) and Containment Isolation Valves (CIV) for future BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) projects in Europe. These essential components are vital for regulating coolant flow, ensuring safe reactor functionality, and supporting long-term plant performance. The agreement was formalized at GE Vernova’s Paris headquarters, with The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, in attendance.
This new phase of cooperation draws directly from the technical knowledge and manufacturing capabilities developed through the companies’ joint involvement in the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) in Ontario, Canada, where Velan is already contributing to the deployment of the world’s first commercial-scale SMR. As European nations aim to enhance energy independence, meet rising power demands, and achieve deep decarbonization, GVH is actively pursuing SMR development across the region, including in Poland. There, GVH and Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) are advancing site-specific engineering to support the potential deployment of up to 24 BWRX-300 units.
“A major benefit of deploying SMRs at scale is the ability to transfer lessons learned from initial builds to subsequent projects,” said Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “Our collaboration with Velan on the Darlington project has helped build a foundation of proven capabilities that can now support future BWRX-300 deployments in Europe. As we engage with customers across the continent, we are focused on combining global supplier expertise with strong local industrial participation.”
The BWRX-300 is a 300-megawatt small modular reactor designed to deliver stable, carbon-free electricity. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is currently constructing the first unit at its Darlington site, marking a milestone as the first commercial SMR of its kind underway in the Western world.
“Valve systems are among the most mission-critical components in nuclear facilities, requiring precision engineering, rigorous manufacturing standards, and unwavering quality assurance,” said Laurent Pefferkorn, Executive Vice-President, Global Sales, Velan. “Drawing on our extensive nuclear heritage spanning over 70 years and our current work on the Darlington project, Velan is well-equipped to serve as a trusted partner for GE Vernova Hitachi in advancing BWRX-300 deployments across Europe.”
Ontario’s strategic investments in the Darlington New Nuclear Project and the broader nuclear sector have helped cultivate a world-class nuclear supply chain with global reach.
“Ontario’s decision to build the Western world’s first Small Modular Reactor was driven by a vision to secure early-mover advantages for our workforce, industry, and supply base,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi and Velan means Ontario will manufacture and export homegrown nuclear components to meet growing European demand for SMRs. With over $600 billion in anticipated global SMR investment in the coming decades, our government is energizing Ontario’s industrial ecosystem and creating high-quality jobs for Canadians.”
About GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Through its global alliance with Hitachi, GE Vernova’s Nuclear business is a leading provider of nuclear fuel assemblies, technical services, and advanced reactor designs. Its portfolio includes boiling water reactors and next-generation small modular reactors like the BWRX-300—a highly simplified yet innovative boiling water reactor design. GE Vernova’s Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) business is a premier supplier of boiling water reactor fuel and associated engineering solutions. GNF operates as a joint venture led by GE Vernova and includes Hitachi, Ltd., with primary operations at Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC in Wilmington, N.C., and Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan Co., Ltd. in Kurihama, Japan. HITACHI is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. used under license. GE is a trademark of General Electric Company used under license.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements—statements concerning future events that involve varying degrees of uncertainty. These statements often relate to GE Vernova’s anticipated business and financial performance, product capabilities, service outcomes, and the impact of economic and market conditions on its operations, financial position, and the global supply chain. Such statements typically include terms like “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Because they address future possibilities, forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks related to planned or potential projects, investments, transactions, and broader macroeconomic factors.
