GE Hitachi awards contract for BWRX-300 reactor pressure vessel to BWXT
GE Vernova’s nuclear business, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has announced that it has awarded a contract to BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) to manufacture the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor to be constructed at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project site.
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The RPV is the largest component within the BWRX-300. GEH previously awarded a contract to BWXT for RPV-related engineering analysis, design support and manufacturing and procurement preparations. BWXT was the first company to join GEH’s BWRX-300 qualified supplier group.
“The contract to fabricate the reactor pressure vessel for the first BWRX-300 is another key milestone in the deployment of this technology,” said Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GEH. “We are excited to be working with BWXT to move this project forward, while bringing benefits to manufacturing workers in Ontario.”
Early site preparation work at Darlington has been completed with construction of the first unit expected to start later this year, pending regulatory approval, and commercial operations expected to commence by the end of 2029. A total of four units are planned for the site. OPG’s collaboration with GEH signifies a power synergy, merging OPG’s successful legacy in nuclear operations with GEH’s experience in boiling water reactor technology to drive a major energy initiative in Ontario.
The BWRX-300, a 10th generation design, is a key pillar of GE Vernova’s energy leadership. In addition to helping customers generate reliable electricity, the BWRX-300 is designed to reduce construction and operating costs by leveraging a unique combination of existing, certified nuclear fuel, plant simplifications, proven components and a design based on an NRC-certified reactor. Further, the BWRX-300 builds on decades of real-world boiling water reactor operating experience and innovation, using a standard design, a proven delivery model and GEH’s experience with cross-border regulatory collaboration.
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