Canadian construction and infrastructure development company Aecon Group has signed a teaming agreement with Estonia’s Fermi Energia to advance cooperation on the development and deployment of GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Estonia. The agreement was signed by Greg Thede, Aecon Vice President, Nuclear Strategy, Business Development & Services, and Fermi Energia CEO Kalev Kallemets.
“We are proud to partner with Fermi Energia as Estonia advances its SMR programme in support of the energy transition.” said Aecon Senior Vice President, Nuclear Aaron Johnson. “Aecon’s experience working on the G7’s first BWRX-300 in Canada gives us the unique position to bring our strong nuclear expertise and technical solutions to one of the most critical aspects of this new build programme, including advanced manufacturing, automation processes, lessons learned and best practices.”
The three-year agreement establishes a framework for Aecon and Fermi Energia to work together during the SMR development phase as the exclusive provider to develop a qualified domestic nuclear capability, modelled on Canadian experience, to benefit BWRX-300 deployment in Estonia.
The parties will strategise, plan, and evaluate paths forward for the deployment of the BWRX-300 in Estonia. Aecon and Fermi Energia will work together on a pre-construction schedule and cost planning, and the development of a capable reactor building deployment team, in collaboration with local and international partners.
Fermi Energia in 2019 launched a feasibility study on the suitability of SMRs for Estonia’s electricity supply and climate goals beyond 2030. This followed a financing round from investors and shareholders. In 2023, the company selected the BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment by the early 2030s. Earlier this year, in May, the Estonian government initiated a national designated spatial plan and a strategic environmental impact assessment for a 600 MWe NPP and the infrastructure required for its operation.
This came after Fermi Energia in January submitted a request to the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Communications to start the procedure for a national designated spatial plan for a 600 MWe NPP featuring two GE Vernova BWRX-300 SMRs. Fermi Energia expects to submit a construction permit application for the plant in 2029, with construction set to begin in 2031 with the first of two SMRs targeted for operation by the second half of 2035.
“This agreement builds on Aecon’s proven experience and gives Estonia access to the world’s most advanced SMR construction expertise. It is a significant step forward towards our goal of delivering safe, reliable, and carbon-free nuclear energy for Estonia’s future,” said Fermi Energia CEO Kalev Kallemets.
In May, Aecon Kiewit Nuclear Partners (a general partnership between Aecon and Kiewit Nuclear Canada) was awarded a construction contract by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for the execution phase on the Darlington New Nuclear Project after OPG approved construction of a BWRX-300 at the site. OPG received a Licence to Construct the first of four planned BWRX-300s at Darlington from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in April. OPG says it is set to be the first commercial grid-scale SMR in North America, with an in-service target date of 2030.
