Construction of the world’s first BWRX-300 SMR approved in Canada

The Province of Ontario on 8 May announced its final investment decision to give the green light to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for construction of what is expected to be the first operating commercial small modular reactor (SMR) in any G7 country. The plan is to eventually have four of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMRs at the site.

This is another milestone, following the granting of a license to construct in April this year, confirming the maturity and readiness of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy technology, which Orlen Synthos Green Energy is preparing to build in Poland.

“The final approval for the construction of the first BWRX-300 in Canada is an important signal for the nuclear energy sector worldwide, and for us in Poland, it confirms that the GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy technology we have chosen is ready for commercial deployment” – said Rafał Kasprów, CEO of Orlen Synthos Green Energy. “Implementing our fleet deployment program, we are closely following OPG’s activities, drawing on its experience and proven solutions. This allows us to implement this technology faster and more efficiently and deliver clean energy to people in Poland.”

The decision was announced at the construction site in Darlington by representatives of the Ontario provincial government, Ontario Power Generation, and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Importantly, the investment decision concerns four BWRX-300 reactors, which are to be built by 2035.

OSGE is making advanced preparations for the construction of a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors – technical and regulatory documentation developed for a project in Darlington, is important part of that process. Cooperation with companies from Canada and the US is the basis for the company’s activities related to the licensing process and applying for permits in Poland. This allows the company to optimize licensing processes, accelerating the implementation of the project.

– In April, OPG completed the preparatory phase – the scope of work completed is impressive. The construction license obtained from the CNSC (Canada’s nuclear regulatory authority) allows us to proceed almost immediately with the actual work and the pouring of the so-called nuclear concrete. For 10 years, I participated in the successful construction of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, and I am now convinced that, drawing on Canadian experience, we will carry out the construction of small nuclear reactors in Poland in a similar way to the UAE – on time and on budget” – said Jacek Drózd, Vice President of the Management Board, OSGE. Jacek Drózd represented the company during the ceremony at the construction site of the BWRX-300 reactor power plant in Darlington.

GVH’s BWRX-300 SMR represents a cutting-edge technology designed to deliver reliable and carbon-free power with enhanced safety and efficiency. Each BWRX-300 will provide approximately 300 MW of electricity, enough to produce the equivalent electricity needed to power 300,000 homes in Ontario while significantly reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional nuclear reactors.

Deploying and operating four SMRs is expected to increase Canada’s GDP by CAD 38.5 billion over 65 years, according to the Conference Board of Canada. And over the next 65 years, OPG’s SMR fleet is expected to sustain, on average, about 3700 jobs per year, including 18000 jobs per year during construction. Over the past few months, OPG has started to welcome about 700 new employees who will be required during SMR construction.