SMRs have the potential to deliver a significant share of the UKs energy capacity as they are predicted to deploy faster and more predictably than conventional larger scale reactors. For this reason, they reduce the cost of capital and enable speeder returns on investment meaning they are a key component of the new government’s bid to achieve energy security and for the UK to become a ‘clean energy superpower’.
The launch of Great British Nuclear's SMR competition in 2023 demonstrated the UK's readiness for SMR technology and created a tangible route to market for private companies. GE Hitachi is one of five remaining entrants to this competition.Of those in the running, we have a strong international presence, alongside extensive experience across the full nuclear lifecycle and a proven track record of designing and delivering reactor technology on time and on budget. This makes our technology both low risk and high reward.
Our 10th generation BWRX-300 design the only SMR with a contract to deploy in the G7, effectively dispelling the “paper reactor” myth often aimed at SMRs that they are unlikely to reach effective operation. Our customer in Canada – Ontario Power Generation – announced in March 2024 they are progressing site clearance works ready for nuclear construction works in 2025, ahead of planned completion by 2029. We also have plans to build BWRX-300s in the USA and Poland and were recently shortlisted for construction in Sweden.
International demand for SMRs is driven by their simplicity and expected deployment speed. The BWRX-300 stands out because of its unique design - it’s one of the only technologies that leverages a previously licensed design, existing components and a fuel supply which is already being manufactured for other reactors. As a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), the BWRX-300 already starts with a simple steam cycle, and now with some innovation has further simplified and enhanced safety systems meaning it is expected to be cheaper, safer and faster to deploy.
Our aim is to build on our international experience, taking lessons from work already underway in Canada. We want to build a fleet of standardised reactors in the UK using a repeatable design, a proven delivery model, and utilising our experience of cross border regulatory collaboration. We welcome the opportunity to work with the UK Government to make the UK a European hub for next generation nuclear technology.
To turn this vision into reality, we are actively expanding our UK operations. We held a conference in Sheffield earlier this year to meet with potential partners as we seek to build a robust supply chain that would benefit both the UK as a whole and local, regional economies close to SMR sites. We also recently appointed a UK Project Director who has overseen the exciting progress in Canada and will bring that experience to the UK.
For the new Government to meet its goals on the energy transition, ensuring strong partnerships between the private and public sectors is also crucial, alongside robust international regulatory alignment and confidence around planning and siting. All of these factors will accelerate the development of close-to-market technologies, including our BWRX-300, enabling quicker execution and providing a clear signal for global investment. Continued commitment in these areas is vital to making the UK SMR program a success.
GE Hitachi is delighted to see continued political appetite for nuclear in the UK. SMRs present a flexible and scalable solution to future energy challenges, and we look forward to working with Great British Nuclear and the Government more broadly on their mission to reach their nuclear energy ambitions.
