A consortium of utilities and other companies are linked to GE Vernova in plans to implement new nuclear energy capacity in the U.S., using the BWRX-300 small modular reactor offered by the subsidiary GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Along with the Tennessee Valley Authority, GE is seeking $800 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Generation III+ SMR program, for a project involving an installation of the GE small modular reactor (SMR) process at its Clinch River, Tenn., site, targeting a 2033 start-up.
The same SMR technology is in development by Ontario Power Generation, to start in 2028.
GE Vernova is the spin-off of General Electric that includes the former company’s alternative energy businesses, and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is a joint-venture formed in 2007 that supplies reactors and nuclear services worldwide. Its BWRX-300 process is an SMR concept based on licensed reactor technology and proven components, according to the developer, and uses a combination of fuel available in operating reactors, so it does not require high-assay low-enriched uranium.
GE emphasizes that the BWRX-300 package and operating factors reduce construction and operating costs.
“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.”
Other utilities and supply-chain companies are involved with GE and TVA in their DOE application, including Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), GEH, Indiana Michigan Power, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent & Lundy, and Scot Forge. The State of Tennessee is also part of the coalition.
Relatedly, GE Hitachi and Duke Energy have a new agreement to invest in and advance the standard design and licensing of the BWRX-300 SMR technology; and that American Electric Power has selected BWRX-300 for installation at the Indiana Michigan Power Rockport Plant in Spencer County, Ind., pending DOE approval of the funding request.
