Dominion Energy invests in GE Hitachi BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor

• 5 years ago (2018-05-22)
• David Flin

North America 998 Nuclear 639

---

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has announced that Dominion Energy will provide funding to help progress the BWRX-300, a 300 MW small modular reactor (SMR) design being developed by GEH. Dominion said that it has: “No plan at this time to build one at any of its commercial nuclear stations, but the funding could help bring the SMR design closer to commercialisation.” The companies have not disclosed the amount of funding.

Jon Ball, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Plant Projects for GEH, said: “Engaging customers is critical to product development, and we are thrilled that Dominion will invest in our new SMR to advance its commercialisation. The BWRX-300 represents a significant improvement in the economics of new nuclear, an imperative for the long-term viability of the industry.”

GEH said that the BWRX-300 leverages the design and licensing basis of its 1600 MW ESBWR design, which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) certified in September 2014. GEH projects that the BWRX-300 will require 60 per cent less capital cost per MW when compared to other water-cooled SMRs or existing large nuclear designs. The BWRX-300 is the company’s 10th generation boiling water reactor design.

Dan Stoddard, Chief Nuclear Officer with Dominion Energy, said: “We believe the innovations GE Hitachi is pursuing with the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor have the potential to make it a strong competitor in the marketplace. Our view is that a modest investment now to support further development of this technology is in the interest of both companies.”