Slovak power utility Slovenské Elektrárne (SE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE) to review cooperation in the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) based on GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) BWRX-300 technology in Central and Eastern Europe.
The aim of the partnership is to combine the strengths of both companies and to analyse the possibilities for investment, licensing and joint development of SMR projects in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and other European countries. The agreement also allows for the development of regional supply chains and the strengthening of energy security.
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. Hungary joins the US, Canada, Estonia and Poland on the list of countries implementing BWRX-300 projects.
SE said cooperation brings several strategic benefits. In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the new technology, it will make it possible to use the experience gained in building units 3&4 at the Mochovce NPP. SE “can thus actively contribute to the development of new nuclear projects in Central and Eastern Europe while obtaining relevant information on possible investment opportunities in both Slovakia and beyond”.
“In small modular reactors we see a promising option for future stable, safe and zero-emission electricity generation,” said SE Chairman & CEO Branislav Strýček. “Partnership with Synthos Green Energy will allow us to analyse the state-of-the-art SMR BWRX-300 technology in detail and to assess its potential for Slovakia. In addition, we want to use our many years of know-how from the construction and operation of nuclear resources in supporting the development of SMR in our region.”
SE noted that the MOU is not legally binding, “but creates a solid basis for intensified cooperation and further development of SMR projects, which can complement the Slovak energy mix in the future on a modern and flexible source of energy with zero direct emissions of CO2.” SGE recently signed a similar agreement in Hungary.
