14 Feb (NucNet): GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Global Nuclear Fuel, Holtec International and Holtec subsidiary SMR Inventec LLC (SMR LLC) have announced a collaboration to advance Holtec’s SMR-160 small modular reactor design.
The SMR‐160, a single loop, 160-MWe pressurised light-water reactor (PWR), is based on existing light water technologies.
In a memorandum of understanding, the companies have agreed to a “procompetitive collaboration” to further develop the SMR-160, which SMR LLC intends to deploy globally. The cooperation will initially include nuclear fuel development supported by GNF and control rod drive mechanisms designed by GEH, and may later extend to other areas.
Holtec president and chief executive officer Kris Singh said the collaboration will ensure the supply chain is in place to deliver and fabricate critical SMR-160 technologies and components, including at the company’s new advanced manufacturing division in the state of New Jersey.
On 31 January 2018 SMR Inventec submitted a proposal to the US Department of Energy with support from GEH and GNF, among others, in response to a funding opportunity announcement. The companies are planning a project that would demonstrate the passive safety system performance of the SMR-160.
In August 2017 SMR LLC was granted access to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory by the DOE in support of the SMR-160, development of which began in 2011.
