GE Vernova's nuclear division, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), is advancing its plans to bring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to the UK by signing several key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements, signed with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, and Laing O’Rourke, mark a significant step forward in the potential deployment of GEH's BWRX-300 reactor technology in the UK, as part of Great British Nuclear’s (GBN) SMR selection process.
These partnerships are designed to leverage the expertise gained from other large-scale nuclear projects, such as Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project in Canada, where construction of the first BWRX-300 is expected to start in 2025. By drawing on these lessons, GEH aims to streamline the deployment of the same reactor technology in the UK.
Aecon, which is providing construction services at Darlington, will offer its extensive project management experience to the UK effort. AtkinsRéalis, serving as architect and engineer at Darlington, will bring its design and engineering expertise to the UK project as well. Jacobs, known for its deep understanding of the UK nuclear regulatory process, will support GEH in navigating the complex approval landscape. Laing O’Rourke, a UK-based company, will lend its expertise in modern construction methods to ensure the smooth development of the SMR program.
“These MoUs underscore our desire to work closely with the UK nuclear supply chain as the SMR competition progresses, which can play a key role in helping Britain become a clean energy superpower,” said Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader. “Given our BWRX-300 reactor is planned for deployment in Canada, collaborating with best-in-class experts across the industry puts us in an even stronger position to reliably deliver this technology for the best value for money. It also furthers our confidence in our ability to work with Great British Nuclear to bring our SMR technology to market.”
The collaboration will also build on GEH’s earlier partnership with Sheffield Forgemasters, exploring how the company's forgings could support the BWRX-300's deployment in the UK. Earlier this year, GEH held an SMR supply chain conference in Sheffield, attended by over 150 UK businesses, further emphasising its commitment to strengthening local industry ties.
GEH's BWRX-300 SMR technology represents a cost-effective, scalable solution to meet the UK’s growing clean energy needs. With the government targeting 24GW of nuclear energy by 2050, these partnerships reinforce GEH's commitment to supporting the UK’s ambitions to become a global leader in clean, sustainable power.
In a further boost, GEH received a £33.6 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) grant from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) earlier this year, to advance the development of the BWRX-300 through the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process.
The MoUs represent a collaborative effort to not only deploy this cutting-edge technology but also establish a strong UK supply chain for future projects. With local support and international expertise, GE Vernova is poised to make a lasting impact on the UK’s nuclear energy landscape.
Source: www.gevernova.com "GE Vernova’s nuclear business signs series of MoUs to support the delivery of its SMR technology in the UK" GE Vernova Press Release
