GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Samsung C&T have forged a strategic alliance to accelerate the deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) in global markets outside of North America. The partnership, announced on October 7, aims to develop supply chains and project delivery solutions for GVH’s SMR technology, with a particular focus on potential deployment in Sweden.
This collaboration brings together GVH’s advanced SMR technology and Samsung C&T’s extensive experience in nuclear power and infrastructure project execution. Maví Zingoni, CEO of Power at GE Vernova, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “With the first unit of our BWRX-300 under construction in Canada, we are well positioned to lead the deployment and scale of the SMR industry. This collaboration with a leading player like Samsung C&T, which has a solid track-record of helping to deliver nuclear projects safely, on-time and on-budget, will further strengthen the BWRX-300 position among the most advanced, deployment ready, and lowest risk SMR technology available today.”
Se-chul Oh, CEO of Samsung C&T, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic significance of the alliance. “This agreement marks a strategic collaboration where Samsung C&T and GVH aim to become global leaders in the nuclear power segment. The collaboration will capitalize on Samsung C&T’s extensive experience in nuclear power and infrastructure project execution, combined with GVH’s validated technological expertise.”
The first BWRX-300 is currently under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade. If completed as planned, it will be the first SMR in the Western World. Key components, such as the reactor pressure vessel, are already being manufactured, and site construction is progressing according to plan.
In addition to the Canadian project, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) application to construct the first BWRX-300 in the U.S., at the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Furthermore, Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) has selected Włocławek as the site for Poland’s first SMR.
In Sweden, Vattenfall has down-selected the BWRX-300 for potential construction adjacent to its Ringhals plant site on the Värö Peninsula. Each BWRX-300 can provide approximately 300 MW of electricity, offering a significant boost to local energy infrastructure.
Samsung C&T’s Engineering & Construction Group brings over 40 years of global experience in engineering and construction, with a portfolio that includes landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa, the Riyadh Metro Project, and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. The company’s expertise in nuclear energy, including the refurbishment of nuclear power plants and front-end engineering design for SMRs, underscores its competitiveness in large-scale reactor and SMR technologies.
This strategic alliance between GVH and Samsung C&T could significantly shape the future of the nuclear energy sector. By combining their strengths, the two companies aim to accelerate the deployment of SMR technology, potentially setting new standards for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The success of this partnership could pave the way for broader adoption of SMRs, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.