GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), announced it has selected Canada-based Worley Chemetics, which has a fabrication facility in Pickering, Ontario, to design and fabricate the isolation condenser system for the BWRX-300 small modular reactor, the first grid-scale SMR in North America.
“The isolation condenser system is a key passive safety feature of the BWRX-300 design and we look forward to collaborating with Worley Chemetics on a manufacturing design that will deliver outstanding safety, quality and performance,” said Sean Sexstone, Executive Vice President, Advanced Nuclear, GEH. “This collaboration aims to strengthen Ontario’s nuclear supply chain and bring economic benefits to the region.”
“We’re delighted to partner with GE Hitachi to help solve the complex challenges of energy transition while expanding nuclear opportunities in Canda,” said Andrew Barr, President, Worley Chemetics. “This partnership builds on Worley Chemetics’ 60-year legacy of delivering sustainable process technologies, our recently acquired ASME nuclear certification and our newly expanded specialized alloy fabrication facility in Ontario.”
It was also announced today that Worley Chemetics has joined the BWRX-300 qualified supplier group which was established to help ensure a reliable, cost effective and innovative process for manufacturing and commercialization 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. Worley Chemetics joins BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT Canada) in the group with additional members expected to be announced soon. GE Vernova is well positioned to lead SMR supply chain development by leveraging its global presence and collaborations.
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. Early site preparation work has been completed with construction expected to start in 2025 and commercial operation to commence by the end of 2029. A total of four 300 MW units are planned for the Darlington site. OPG's decades of operating experience and proven track record of delivering on-time, on-budget nuclear refurbishment, combined with GEH's nuclear expertise, sets the stage for success in advancing the energy landscape in other regions.
The BWRX-300 is a key pillar of GE Vernova’s energy transition leadership. In addition to helping customers achieve decarbonization goals, the BWRX-300 is designed to reduce construction and operating costs. Specifically, the BWRX-300 leverages a unique combination of existing fuel, plant simplifications, proven components and a design based on an NRC-certified reactor design.
