GE Hitachi receives UK government grant for nuclear energy development

GE Hitachi receives UK government grant for nuclear energy development
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Jan 26, 2024

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), a subsidiary of GE Vernova, has been awarded a GBP33.6 million grant from the UK Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF), as announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This significant investment marks a strategic move in the UK's ambitious plan to achieve 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050, bolstering energy security and aiding in the nation's net zero targets.

Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years is underway in the UK and small modular reactors are front and centre in this rapid revival." He further added, "Today's GBP 33.6 million in funding for GE Hitachi will help develop their design, putting us in an excellent position to become one of the first to deploy this game-changing tech. This means cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy for families and businesses."

GEH's BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) is at the forefront of this development. Jay Wileman, President and CEO of GEH, expressed gratitude for the grant and highlighted the reactor's alignment with the UK's decarbonization and energy security goals. He mentioned, "We have assembled a first-class team to deliver the BWRX-300 in the UK and this FNEF grant will help accelerate regulatory acceptance and its deployment readiness while we continue to develop a robust UK supply chain."

The FNEF application was a collaborative effort with key UK players including Jacobs, Laing O'Rourke, and Cavendish Nuclear, alongside Synthos Green Energy (SGE), a Polish investor and developer. This team aims to strengthen the UK supply chain for the BWRX-300, with Sheffield Forgemasters poised to supply steel forgings for the project.

GEH's entry into the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, essential for assessing new nuclear reactor designs in the UK, is a significant step forward. Jacobs, with its extensive experience in supporting UK nuclear projects since 2007, will play a vital role in this assessment.

SGE's CEO, Rafal Kasprow, expressed enthusiasm for the BWRX-300 technology and its potential impact on the UK and Central European energy markets. He emphasized SGE's commitment to investing in the UK, stating, "The opportunities presented by the FNEF will accelerate our investment strategy, emphasizing the UK roll-out of BWRX-300s."

Sean Sexstone, Executive Vice President of Advanced Nuclear at GEH, underscored the readiness and global appeal of the BWRX-300 design. "The BWRX-300 is a deliverable design which is why we have been selected for SMR programmes around the world including in Canada, Poland and the United States," he said, reaffirming GEH's commitment to supporting the UK's goal of adding up to 24GW of nuclear capacity by 2050.