France-based Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, is to supply a small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear steam turbine, a TOPAIR generator and associated heat exchanger for the first GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300 SMR project at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Canada.
The supply chain for the turbine hall will include specialist providers from Canada, including Ontario-based Chemetics Inc, which will manufacture components for the heat exchangers.
The full-speed steam turbine generator shaftline for the Darlington SMR will measure 34 metres in length and include a single-flow high-pressure module and two double-flow low-pressure modules to improve cycle efficiency. It will be coupled with an air-cooled TOPAIR generator rated up to 370 MVA for the 60 Hz Canadian grid. The equipment will form key components of the Darlington SMR turbine island.
The 300 MWe BWRX-300, a 10th generation design, builds on decades of real-world boiling water reactor operating experience and innovation, using a standard design, a proven delivery model and GVH’s experience with cross-border regulatory collaboration.
Early site preparation work at Darlington has been completed, and in April the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted OPG a licence to construct the first unit.
In May, Ontario and OPG approved construction of the BWRX-300 clearing the way for construction of the first of four planned BWRX-300s at the Darlington site, beginning with completion of the first unit which is scheduled for the end of the decade.
“Leveraging our global engineering expertise, we have optimised our steam turbine generator modules for the SMR environment, underlining our strategy of providing turbine island solutions for any reactor type,” said Arabelle Solutions CEO Catherine Cornand.
Cedric Couffignal, head of New Build at Arabelle Solutions noted: “The 300 MWe-class steam turbine generator has been specifically engineered to operate under the steam conditions of the BWRX-300 SMR and the team has optimised the turbine island’s steam and water loop to enhance overall plant efficiency and maximise electrical output.”
In May 2024, EDF completed acquisition of a portion of GE Vernova’s nuclear conventional islands technology and services, including its Arabelle steam turbines. This included manufacturing conventional island equipment for new NPPs as well as maintenance and upgrade activities for existing plants outside the Americas. EDF’s acquisition of the business – then known as GE Steam Power – was announced in early 2022.
