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04.February

GE Vernova Strengthens UK Small Modular Reactor Expansion with New MoUs

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LONDON, UK (February 4, 2025) – GE Vernova’s nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has further advanced the deployment of its BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the UK by signing additional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two leading nuclear engineering firms—Boccard and Cavendish Nuclear.

These agreements reaffirm GEH’s commitment to deepening collaboration with UK-based suppliers, capitalizing on their extensive expertise in nuclear power plant construction and operations. This effort supports the ongoing selection process led by Great British Nuclear (GBN) for SMRs, reinforcing prior partnerships with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, and Laing O’Rourke.

Andy Champ, UK Country Lead for GE Hitachi, stated: “These partnerships with Boccard and Cavendish Nuclear reinforce our dedication to integrating UK suppliers into the deployment of our BWRX-300 SMR technology. We are honored to collaborate with these industry-leading firms, demonstrating our commitment to providing the UK with scalable, cost-effective, and clean energy solutions. Drawing from our extensive collaboration with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on the Darlington project in Canada, we are well-positioned to deliver this technology efficiently and affordably. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the UK supply chain and GBN to drive Britain’s clean energy ambitions forward.”

Douglas McQueen, Managing Director at Boccard UK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are pleased to formalize our collaboration with GE Vernova through this MoU. Our fully digitalized nuclear manufacturing facility in North Wales, backed by our engineering and project management expertise, will contribute exceptional quality and efficiency to the UK’s Nuclear New Build program. Our proprietary digital manufacturing platform, BocTrack®, will enable a faster route to commercialization for both SMRs and large-scale GW Generating stations, which are vital to the UK’s decarbonization goals. We eagerly anticipate working with GE Vernova during this transformative period in the energy sector.”

Mick Gornall, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear, highlighted the strategic importance of this agreement: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with GEH, building on ongoing manufacturing studies to develop a resilient UK supply chain for the Reactor Pressure Vessel and other critical components.”

The collaboration with Cavendish Nuclear, a subsidiary of Babcock International, aligns with the UK Government’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund. It builds on existing joint efforts supporting regulatory approval of the BWRX-300 through the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process while advancing operational readiness and manufacturing innovations.

GEH, in partnership with OPG, is developing the first BWRX-300 at OPG’s Darlington site near Toronto, poised to become the first commercial SMR in the G7. Site preparation has been completed, with construction on the first unit expected to commence later this year, pending regulatory approval. Commercial operation is projected to begin by the end of 2029, with four 300 MW units planned for the site.

With a longstanding presence in the UK, GE Vernova continues to make a significant impact, operating four manufacturing facilities and powering over 30% of the country’s electricity with its technology. Committed to establishing a robust UK supply chain, GEH hosted an SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield in April 2024, attended by over 150 UK businesses.

Additionally, in January 2024, GEH secured a £33.6 million grant from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) through the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF). This funding facilitated GEH’s entry into the GDA process for the BWRX-300, further solidifying its position in the UK’s nuclear energy landscape.

About GE Vernova

GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a global energy company specifically designed to drive the future of power, wind, and electrification. Supported by its accelerator businesses, it builds on over 130 years of innovation and expertise in solving global challenges. With a strong commitment to electrification and decarbonization, GE Vernova plays a pivotal role in the energy transition. The company powers economies and ensures access to electricity, a critical component of safety, security, health, and quality of life. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., GE Vernova operates in over 100 countries with a workforce of approximately 75,000. Guided by its mission, The Energy to Change the World, the company’s technologies contribute to a future that is more sustainable, secure, reliable, and affordable.

Nuclear Energy Solutions

Through its strategic alliance with Hitachi, GE Vernova is a global leader in nuclear energy, offering advanced reactor designs, nuclear fuel bundles, and a range of services. Its portfolio includes boiling water reactors and small modular reactors like the BWRX-300, an innovative yet streamlined design in the field. The company’s nuclear fuel division, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), leads in supplying fuel for boiling water reactors and providing engineering support. Operated as a joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd., GNF functions through Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC, based in Wilmington, N.C., and Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan Co., Ltd., located in Kurihama, Japan.

A Name Rooted in Innovation

The name GE Vernova reflects both its heritage and future vision. “GE” symbolizes a long-standing reputation for quality and ingenuity, while “Ver” and “Verde” evoke the planet’s lush, thriving ecosystems. “Nova,” derived from the Latin novus, signals a forward-looking approach to low-carbon energy solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements, which pertain to future events and are inherently uncertain. Such statements often discuss GE Vernova’s anticipated business performance, financial outlook, product effectiveness, and service impact. They may include terms such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve varying degrees of uncertainty, covering areas such as memoranda of understanding, contract negotiations, project proposals, investment impacts, regulatory approvals, and market conditions. These factors, alongside broader economic fluctuations, may influence GE Vernova’s operations, financial results, and global supply chain dynamics.

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