US-based GE Vernova and Japan’s Hitachi Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to deploy the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) in Southeast Asia. The companies agree to collaborate through the GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Hitachi GE Vernova Nuclear Energy joint ventures to identify commercial opportunities for BWRX-300 deployment in the region. The collaboration will also explore opportunities to incorporate qualified Japanese suppliers and strengthen the SMR supply chain supporting future BWRX-300 deployment in the region.
The agreement was signed during the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial & Business Forum in Tokyo in the presence of US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry Ryosei Akazawa.
“As more nations look to nuclear power to meet their energy security needs, GE Vernova and Hitachi look forward to continuing our long history of collaboration in support of the global nuclear industry,” said Roger Martella, Chief Corporate Officer at GE Vernova. “Our SMR technology can be a powerful tool for countries across Southeast Asia for generations to come.”
Yasunori Inada, Vice President & CEO of the Nuclear Energy Business Unit at Hitachi, noted: “Hitachi has continued to bring long-standing experience in nuclear technology, through our partnership with GE Vernova, and we are excited to do even more by exploring the deployment of the BWRX-300 in Southeast Asia.”
The first BWRX-300 is under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade. Key components like the reactor pressure vessel are being manufactured, and site construction is progressing for the four SMRs planned for the site. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) application to construct a BWRX-300 at the utility’s Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
