Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE) and South Korea’s Samsung C&T have signed a MOU to collaborate on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). The partnership combines SGE’s expertise in deploying nuclear technologies with Samsung C&T’s global engineering and construction capabilities, aiming to accelerate the rollout of SMRs as a cornerstone of sustainable energy worldwide.
The aim is to outline the framework for future cooperation, focused on the potential development of SMR projects using GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GVH’s) BWRX-300 technology in Central and Eastern Europe. Samsung is considering a strategic investment into SGE’s development platform.
SGE plans to build up to 24 SMRs, including Poland’s first SMR power plant, by the early 2030s using the BWRX-300. It is seeking to expand the SMR project to Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania.
SGE earlier this year signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Slovak power utility Slovenské Elektrárne (SE) has signed with Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE) to cooperate in the development and deployment of BWRX-300 technology in Central and Eastern Europe. Also, SGE signed an agreement to cooperate on a project to build up to 10 BWRX-300s in Hungary. A letter of intent establishes a framework for joint activities related to project development, site selection, licensing and unit construction.
As part of the collaboration with Samsung C&T, the parties will share relevant information such as feasibility studies, site data, environmental assessments, and evaluation reports, while leveraging Samsung C&T’s extensive know-how in delivering energy infrastructure projects. Regular updates and executive reviews will ensure transparency and progress monitoring.
SGE owner and founder Michał Sołowow, said: “Samsung C&T is the world’s leader in energy infrastructure construction. SGE is proud to deepen and align our relationship with Samsung as a potential equity partner. Their proven capabilities in delivering nuclear projects will strengthen SGE’s SMR development platform and accelerate the deployment of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy across Europe.”
Samsung C&T President and CEO Oh Sechul, noted: “Partnering with SGE strengthens our shared vision of accelerating the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies. Together, we aim to make SMRs a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems, ensuring energy security and driving the global shift toward a carbon-neutral future. We look forward to working closely with SGE to shape the future of clean energy in Europe.”
Iin October, Samsung C&T signed a strategic partnership with GVH to expand its SMR business in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and held a Swedish SMR supply chain event.
The 300 MWe BWRX-300, a 10th generation water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems that leverages the design and licensing basis of GVH’s 1,500 MWe ESBWR boiling water reactor and its experience with cross-border regulatory collaboration.
Earlier in December, the US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) $400m to advance deployment of a BWRX-300 SMR at the Clinch River Nuclear site in Tennessee, as well as accelerate the deployment of additional units with Indiana Michigan Power and Elementl. In May, TVA submitted a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to build the first BWRX-300 at Clinch River, which is currently under review.
Meanwhile, GVH’s first BWRX-300 is under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade. Four grid-scale commercial BWRX-300 units are planned for the sit. Ontario Power Generation selected the technology in 2021.
Earlier this year, Canadian construction and infrastructure development company Aecon Group signed a teaming agreement with Estonia’s Fermi Energia to advance cooperation on the development and deployment of BWRX-300 technology in Estonia. Also, the BWRX-300 is one of two SMR designs selected by Sweden’s Vattenfall for new nuclear capacity at the Ringhals NPP on the Värö Peninsula.
