GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), a business of GE Vernova, has joined the coalition of utility companies that are working to accelerate the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors in the United States.
The coalition is led by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and it includes partners such as Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), GEH, Indiana Michigan Power – an AEP company, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent and Lundy, Scot Forge, other utilities, and advanced nuclear project developers and the State of Tennessee.
The coalition has submitted an application for $800 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Generation III+ SMR program.
A Generation III+ SMR is defined as a nuclear reactor that uses light water as a coolant and low-enriched uranium fuel, with a single-unit net electrical power output of 50-350 MW.
GE Hitachi joins coalition and other plans for SMR
TVA has selected the BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment at the Clinch River Site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. If the funding is approved, TVA plans to accelerate construction of the first SMR, with commercial operations planned for 2033.
“Nuclear power has a key role to play in reaching a cleaner and more secure energy future,” said Scott Strazik, CEO, GE Vernova.
“Funding from this grant would play a critical role in the path forward, and we look forward to working with TVA and this strong team of utility and supply chain partners to accelerate the roll-out of small modular reactors in the United States.”
GEH also said that Duke Energy has entered into an agreement to invest in activities to advance the standard design and licensing of the BWRX-300 SMR technology. Further, American Electric Power (AEP) has selected the BWRX-300 for potential deployment at the Indiana Michigan Power Rockport Plant in Spencer County, Indiana.
“On the heels of the significant progress that is occurring with the deployment of the first BWRX-300 at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site, these announcements signify the growing confidence the industry has in our SMR technology,” said Mavi Zingoni, CEO, GE Vernova’s Power businesses.
BWRX-300 SMR’s specifications
An advanced reactor, the BWRX-300 uses natural circulation and passive cooling isolation condenser systems to promote simple and safe operating rhythms.
It is a boiling water reactor that can supply 300 MW electricity to the grid. Apart from this, it can also provide hot water and steam that can be used for district heating, clean hydrogen and fuel production, reverse osmosis, and direct air capture.
It has a design life of 60 years, and the refueling cycle is 12 to 24 months. It uses commercially available fuel, and has a simplified configuration, which results in less concrete and steel needed for construction.
The BWRX-300 has a 10th generation design which builds on real-world boiling water reactor operating experience. It uses natural circulation and passive cooling isolation condenser systems to promote simple and safe operating rhythms.
Moreover, the steam condensation and gravity allow the SMR to cool itself for a minimum of seven days without power or operator action.
Earlier in December 2024, the BWRX-300 had completed Step 1 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process in the United Kingdom. During Step 2, the team will be assessing the underpinning fundamentals of the BWRX-300, including identifying any specific environmental protection issues or concerns.