GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor approved for construction by Ontario & Ontario Power Generation

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), announced that construction of the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor has been approved by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The approval clears the way for construction of the first of four planned BWRX-300s at OPG's Darlington site to begin soon with completion of the first unit scheduled by the end of the decade.

“In deploying the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor, Ontario is leading the way globally in the deployment of SMRs,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power, GE Vernova. “Our work with OPG and project partners will serve as a benchmark for the global nuclear industry.”

“As the world looks to adopt SMR technology, we are proud to be embarking on construction of the first BWRX-300 with OPG, AtkinsRéalis and Aecon” said Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GVH. “Ontario's supply chain is expected to contribute significantly to this project bringing substantial economic benefits to the province including the creation of thousands of jobs during manufacturing, construction and operation.

Early site preparation work at Darlington has been completed and in April the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted OPG a licence to construct the first unit.

The 300 MW BWRX-300, a 10th generation design, builds on decades of real-world boiling water reactor operating experience and innovation, using a standard design, a proven delivery model and GVH’s experience with cross-border regulatory collaboration.

GE Vernova has operated in Canada for more than 130 years and its support for the Canadian nuclear industry dates to the early 1950s when the company helped build the first Canadian nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor that became the basis for the entire CANDU fleet.

www.gevernova.com