An assembly of 18 European enterprises, spearheaded by Poland’s Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), has submitted a proposal to the European Industrial Alliance for Small Modular Reactors to form a working group focused on implementing GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 technology.
Collaborative Efforts for Proposal
The proposal for establishing the working group was crafted by OSGE in collaboration with GE Hitachi and 16 alliance members from 10 EU Member States and Norway.
All partners are keen on developing or engaging in the development process of the BWRX-300 in Europe at different stages. “Each participant has extensive experience in the energy market, functioning as developers, energy companies, and design and engineering firms with the capabilities to build the required supply chain,” OSGE stated.
Objectives of the Working Group
The working group aims to synchronize and expedite efforts to build BWRX-300 SMR reactors by members of the European Industrial Alliance for SMRs across various EU Member States.
The group’s specific goals encompass a broad array of issues, particularly: standardizing the technology licensing process in EU countries; maximizing EU supplier participation in a jointly established strong European supply chain, including preparing for nuclear fuel production; developing necessary competencies, training personnel; and creating a suitable support system for this type of investment.
Formation of the Industrial Alliance for SMRs
In response to appeals from the nuclear sector, research community, and nuclear safety regulators, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson announced in November last year that the European Commission would form an Industrial Alliance dedicated to SMRs.
This was established in February this year to facilitate and accelerate the development, demonstration, and deployment of this technology within the EU by the early 2030s.
Role of the Alliance
The Alliance operates through working groups to enhance the conditions for the development and deployment of SMRs, including rebuilding the nuclear power supply chain.
These activities are designed to support specific SMR projects and hasten their introduction to the European market.
OSGE’s Plans in Poland
OSGE intends to construct a fleet of GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. In May 2023, the company received a favorable general opinion from the President of the National Atomic Energy Agency regarding selected technical assumptions for the BWRX-300 reactor technology, a step in the pre-licensing process.
In December, the Ministry of Climate and Environment issued decisions in principle for the project in six locations: Stawy Monowskie, Włocławek, Ostrołęka, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Kraków-Nowa Huta, and Stalowa Wola-Tarnobrzeg.
By February 2024, the General Director for Environmental Protection issued a decision outlining the scope of the environmental report for constructing an SMR in Stawy Monowskie in the Małopolska province. This marks the first such decision in the European Union.
Technical Details of the BWRX-300
The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems. It leverages the design and licensing basis of GEH’s US Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified ESBWR boiling water reactor design and its existing, licensed GNF2 fuel design.
This unique combination positions it to deliver an “innovative, carbon-free baseload power generation source” this decade, according to GEH.
Opportunities for European Companies
“The BWRX-300 not only has the potential to be the first SMR reactor constructed in the EU but also offers opportunities for European companies to significantly contribute to its construction, including producing key components within the EU,” stated Rafał Kasprów, president of the Management Board of OSGE.
“A dedicated working group of 18 companies confirms the strong interest in the BWRX-300 technology from European entities.
I believe that among the members of the European Industrial Alliance for SMR, which remains open to new participants, there will be other entities interested in joining the group.”
Importance of International Collaboration
Sean Sexstone, executive vice president of advanced nuclear technologies at GEH, added: “International collaboration is crucial to successfully implementing new nuclear technologies.
The companies in the BWRX-300 working group bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help accelerate the development of our SMR technology in the EU and globally.”