Is GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 the future of nuclear energy in the UK?

In a significant development for the future of sustainable energy in the UK, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has responded to Great British Nuclear’s (GBN) call for SMR technology by submitting its BWRX-300 design. This move highlights GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology and supporting the UK’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The BWRX-300, a 10th generation SMR design, is built on decades of real-world operating experience and leverages a simplified construction process that promises to deliver nuclear power more efficiently. This design is currently being developed in collaboration with Ontario Power Generation at OPG’s Darlington site near Toronto, Canada, with construction expected to begin in early 2025 and commercial operations targeted for 2029.

Andy Champ, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy UK Country Leader, emphasized the company’s readiness and strategic alignment with the UK’s energy ambitions. “We have entered this competition with a proven track record of progressing SMR reactor technology internationally, a fuel that is already licensed and in operation, and a reactor designed for manufacture,” said Champ. He further noted that the BWRX-300’s design evolution makes it a low-risk, high-reward option for Great British Nuclear.

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s submission is part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK’s energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company has a substantial presence in the UK, with four manufacturing facilities and a significant share of the country’s electricity supply powered by its technology.

The strategic significance of the BWRX-300 extends beyond its technological merits. In January 2024, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy received a £33.6 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) grant from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), underscoring governmental support for innovative nuclear solutions. This funding complements GEH’s entry into the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the BWRX-300, setting the stage for regulatory approval and eventual deployment.

The integration of SMR technology, such as the BWRX-300, into the UK’s energy strategy could significantly shift the dynamics of the energy sector. SMRs offer a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional large reactors and are seen as critical to diversifying energy sources while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards.