LONDON (September 9, 2024) – GE Vernova’s nuclear energy division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has solidified multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, and Laing O’Rourke to enhance the development and deployment of its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology in the United Kingdom.

These agreements represent a significant milestone in GEH’s pursuit of introducing its BWRX-300 SMR technology to the UK, aligning with its progress in the ongoing competition hosted by Great British Nuclear (GBN) for SMR deployment.

Aecon, responsible for construction services, project management, and execution for the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Canada, is among the partners. AtkinsRéalis, which serves as the project’s architect and engineer, is also part of the collaboration. With construction at Darlington scheduled to commence in 2025 and commercial operations targeted for 2029, these MoUs allow GEH to apply insights from the Canadian project to expedite progress in the UK.

Additionally, Jacobs will provide top-tier design expertise customized for the UK market, while UK-based Laing O’Rourke will offer its deep knowledge of modern construction techniques to support the program’s development.

These partnerships build upon GEH’s earlier collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters, aimed at exploring how the company’s forgings can contribute to the deployment of the BWRX-300 in the UK.

Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader, stated, “Strategic alliances like these further solidify the foundation for successfully rolling out our BWRX-300 technology in the UK. These MoUs emphasize our commitment to closely collaborate with the UK nuclear supply chain, ensuring that the SMR competition continues to bolster Britain’s ambition of becoming a leader in clean energy.”

He added, “As we plan to deploy the BWRX-300 in Canada, working alongside industry leaders enhances our capability to deliver this technology reliably and cost-effectively. This also strengthens our confidence in collaborating with Great British Nuclear to bring our SMR technology to the UK market.”

Thomas Clochard, Executive Vice President, Nuclear & Civil at Aecon Group Inc., expressed, “With five decades of nuclear expertise, Aecon is well-equipped to contribute to the development of the next generation of nuclear infrastructure, ensuring clean and reliable electricity for future generations. As the constructor of North America’s first grid-scale SMR—the GEH BWRX-300—we are excited to bring our unique nuclear project management and construction capabilities to the UK in collaboration with GEH and Great British Nuclear.”

Joe St Julian, President, Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, highlighted, “At AtkinsRéalis, we have been working hand-in-hand with GEH and partners on the Darlington project, which is set to be the first commercial land-based SMR in the western world. We look forward to leveraging this experience in the UK, contributing to the country’s nuclear aspirations, including the government’s target of 24GW of nuclear power by 2050.”

Dawn James, Vice President at Jacobs, remarked, “Our collaboration with GEH is centered around building trust with government bodies and regulators, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely GDA approvals. Our deep understanding of UK nuclear regulatory requirements, along with our proven track record in nuclear licensing since 2007, will support our shared goal of bolstering UK energy security.”

Allan Gregory, Nuclear Delivery Director at Laing O’Rourke, added, “As an integral part of the UK’s nuclear supply chain, we are excited to support GEH’s BWRX-300 deployment. By leveraging our modern construction techniques and established partnerships, we aim to deliver GEH’s technology with utmost certainty, aligning with the UK’s 2030 clean energy goals.”

With a long-standing presence in the UK, GE Vernova maintains a significant local footprint, operating four manufacturing facilities and contributing to over 30% of the nation’s electricity through its technology. GEH has been actively working to build a robust UK supply chain for its SMR deployment, demonstrated by hosting a supply chain conference in Sheffield earlier this year, attended by over 150 UK businesses.

In a related development, GEH secured a £33.6 million grant from the UK’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) in January 2024. Simultaneously, the company entered the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the BWRX-300.

About GE Vernova

GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a global energy company focused on advancing Power, Wind, and Electrification technologies. With over 130 years of innovation, GE Vernova is positioned to lead the energy transition, supporting electrification efforts while driving decarbonization initiatives. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GE Vernova employs approximately 75,000 individuals across more than 100 countries. Guided by its mission, “The Energy to Change the World,” GE Vernova aims to create a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.

GE Vernova’s Nuclear division, in alliance with Hitachi, provides advanced nuclear fuel bundles, services, and reactor designs, including small modular reactors like the BWRX-300. This innovative reactor design is one of the most simplified yet cutting-edge boiling water reactors available. Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), a GE Vernova-led joint venture, operates primarily in the US and Japan, supplying nuclear fuel and fuel-related engineering services.

GE Vernova’s name reflects both its legacy and its commitment to a sustainable future. “GE” symbolizes the company’s enduring quality and innovation, while “Vernova” evokes the richness of Earth’s ecosystems (“ver”/“verde”) and a new era of clean energy (“nova”).

Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements concerning future events and outcomes, which by nature are uncertain. These statements often refer to GE Vernova’s anticipated business performance, product outcomes, and financial results, and typically use terms like “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” and “estimate.” Such statements address uncertainties related to MoUs, contract proposals, government reviews, project bids, and the broader economic conditions affecting the company’s operations and the global supply chain.

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