Suppliers must meet pre-defined criteria and show ‘willingness to invest’
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is forming a group of qualified supply chain companies to advance the global deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor.
GEH said the purpose of the supplier group is to help ensure a reliable, cost effective and innovative process for the manufacture and commercialisation of the BWRX-300.
Suppliers who meet pre-defined criteria, customer requirements and demonstrate a willingness to invest in BWRX-300 supply chain capabilities are eligible for selection to the group. The first company to join the group is BWXT Canada, a leader in the design, manufacture and service of commercial nuclear components.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG), GEH, AtkinsRéalis and Aecon Construction Group have entered into a contract to construct the first BWRX-300 at OPG’s Darlington site.
The province of Ontario is working with OPG on planning and licensing for three additional BWRX-300s at the Darlington site while Utility SaskPower is considering deployment of a BWRX-300 SMR in Saskatchewan province.
In the UK, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has awarded GEH a £33.6m (€39m, $42m) grant to help accelerate regulatory acceptance of the BWRX-300 which has entered the generic design acceptance process.
In Poland, the government has announced decisions-in-principle supporting the construction of 24 BWRX-300 SMRs at six sites.