LONDON (July 8, 2024) — GE Vernova’s Nuclear division, through GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has entered its bid in the Great British Nuclear’s (GBN) ongoing small modular reactor (SMR) selection competition, showcasing its BWRX-300 SMR technology.

This 10th-generation SMR design leverages decades of operational experience and innovation, featuring a standardized design, a proven delivery model, and GEH’s expertise in international regulatory collaboration. GEH, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation, is progressing with the first BWRX-300 at OPG’s Darlington site near Toronto. Site preparation is complete, with construction slated to begin in early 2025 and commercial operations expected by 2029. A total of four 300 MW units are planned for the Darlington site.

Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader, stated, “Our entry into this competition is backed by our proven international SMR technology, an operationally licensed fuel, and a manufacturable reactor design. The BWRX-300, derived from established boiling water reactor technology, is smaller and further simplified through innovation. This positions us uniquely to offer a high-value, reliable SMR solution. Alongside our strategic investment partners, we aim to support the UK Government in achieving its net zero target by 2050.”

Champ added, “With a robust and expanding team in the UK, we are confident that our SMR offers the lowest risk and highest reward for Great British Nuclear. We anticipate the competition’s outcome and the chance to contribute significantly to both Great British Nuclear’s goals and the new Government’s mission of making the UK a green energy superpower.”

GE Vernova has a substantial presence in the UK, with four manufacturing facilities and technology powering over 30 percent of the country’s electricity. GEH is committed to establishing a strong UK supply chain for the BWRX-300, demonstrated by a recent SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield attended by over 150 UK businesses. GEH is also collaborating with Sheffield Forgemasters on potential SMR projects and plans to announce further strategic partnerships soon.

In January 2024, GEH received a £33.6 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) grant from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). This grant supported GEH’s initiation of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the BWRX-300.

About GE Vernova

GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a global energy company encompassing Power, Wind, and Electrification segments, supported by its accelerator businesses. With over 130 years of experience in addressing global challenges, GE Vernova is leading the energy transition by electrifying the world while working to decarbonize it. The company’s technology helps power economies and deliver critical electricity for health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GE Vernova employs approximately 75,000 people in over 100 countries. Driven by the purpose “The Energy to Change the World,” GE Vernova aims to provide a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future.

Through its global alliance with Hitachi, GE Vernova’s Nuclear division is a leading provider of nuclear fuel bundles, services, and advanced reactor designs. Its technologies include boiling water reactors and SMRs like the BWRX-300, one of the simplest and most innovative boiling water reactor designs. GE Vernova’s nuclear fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), supplies boiling water reactor fuel and related engineering services. GNF operates mainly through Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC in Wilmington, N.C., and Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan Co., Ltd. in Kurihama, Japan.

GE Vernova’s name reflects its legacy, “GE,” a symbol of quality and ingenuity. “Ver”/“verde” signifies Earth’s lush ecosystems, while “Nova,” from Latin “novus,” denotes a new era of innovative, lower-carbon energy.

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