GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Forms Supply Chain Group for BWRX-300 Deployment

GE Vernova’s Nuclear segment, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), is forming a consortium of supply chain companies to accelerate the deployment of its BWRX-300 SMR.

“We are excited about the technical advancements and capacity that is expected to be unlocked through the BWRX-300 qualified supplier group,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO, GE Vernova’s power businesses. “We look forward to expanding the group of qualified suppliers to other companies who share a strong commitment to collaborate around a long-term vision for the deployment of the BWRX-300.”

The first company to join GEH’s group is BWXT Canada, specializing in the design, manufacture, and service of commercial nuclear components. To be eligible for selection to the group, a supplier must meet pre-defined criteria, customer requirements, and display a willingness to invest in BWRX-300 supply chain capabilities.

“We’re proud to spearhead supply chain support for the BWRX-300, as the first member of this exciting group of qualified companies,” said John MacQuarrie, President of BWXT Commercial Operations. “The anticipated global demand for nuclear power was a significant factor in our recent decision to expand our Cambridge manufacturing facility, where we design and manufacture large and heavy nuclear components. Our plans to increase the site’s manufacturing capacity by 50% for large components and to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment over the next few years will further position our business to help deliver the BWRX-300 and other reactor technologies for our customers around the world.”

Ontario Power Generation (OPG), GEH, AtkinsRéalis, and Aecon Construction Group signed a contract to build the first BWRX-300 SMR at OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Station. OPG and Ontario are working together to plan and license three additional BWRX-300 units at the Darlington facility. GEH’s SMR uses a combination of existing fuel, plant simplifications, proven components, and a design based on a Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified reactor.

BWRX-300 SMR; Image Credits: GE Vernova

“Supplier collaboration is expected to help build capacity and support cost reduction, project schedule goals and scalability as we deploy the BWRX-300 globally,” said Jay Wileman, President & CEO, GEH. “We applaud BWXT Canada for standing firmly behind the BWRX-300 by making commitments and investing in its facilities and supply chain to be best positioned to compete for projects, further bolstering Ontario’s nuclear supply chain. Our collaboration with OPG strengthens Ontario’s position at the forefront of the nuclear industry, fostering economic growth and job creation.”

The U.K.’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero also awarded GEH a £33.6 million grant to advance the BWRX-300’s regulatory acceptance—currently in the Generic Design Acceptance process. Poland’s government put forth decisions-in-principle to support the construction 24 SMRs at six sites.

Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), a business under GE Vernova, recently received approval from the NRC to manufacture, ship, and analyze the performance of nuclear fuel enriched with uranium-235 by up to 8 WT%. The NRC issued a Certificate of Compliance, which allows GNF to ship nuclear fuel bundles with the company’s RAJ-II shipping container. It also approved licensing topical reports for advanced nuclear methods that allow GNF to analyze fuel with enrichments greater than 5 WT%.