BWRX-300 small modular reactor
GE Hitachi’s small modular reactor (SMR) provides 24/7 on-demand, carbon-free power.
Why GE Hitachi?
A world-leading provider of grid-scale SMRs
GE Hitachi (GEH) has more than 60 years of experience in BWR (boiling water reactor) licensing, fuel, design and manufacturing, and building supply chains. Today, we continue boldly innovating to provide reliable, carbon-free, new nuclear power to the world.
60+ years
designing, deploying, servicing and fueling reactors globally
First
commercially owned nuclear plant to supply power to the general public
67
GE reactors licensed in 10 countries
165,000+
bundles of BWR fuel designed and produced over the last 60+ years
6,660+
patents issued worldwide
Why nuclear?
Clean, compact, sustainable power
Always available
Decarbonizing the power generation industry is crucial to reaching net zero emissions. While the future of energy will be a mix of power generation technologies, low-carbon power sources like solar, wind and hydro aren’t always available. Nuclear power plants operate at much higher capacity factors than renewable energy sources, making them a highly available power source for customers concerned about energy security.
Why the BWRX-300?
Innovative, simplified, and cost-competitive
Powered by proven and commercially available fuel, the BWRX-300 features an innovative and simplified configuration, resulting in less concrete and steel needed for construction. The BWRX-300 is a cost-competitive solution that can be deployed for electricity generation and industrial applications, including hydrogen production, desalination, and district heating.
1
300 MW carbon-free power
Ideally sized for plant conversion from coal to nuclear
2
Innovative configuration
Simple and innovative with digital offerings that lower costs and improve safety.
3
Competitive cost
Less capital cost per MW when compared with typical water-cooled SMR.
4
Proven & reliable fuel
Licensed and proven fuel configuration with qualified facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
5
World-class safety
Steam condensation and gravity allow the BWRX-300 to cool itself for a minimum of seven days without power or operator action.
6
Robust supply chain
Decades of experience building supply chains, supporting local jobs and economies.
7
Project certainty
Deployable globally as early as 2029 thanks to proven know-how and innovative construction techniques.
Infographic
Take a closer look
The BWRX-300 supports decarbonization efforts by delivering clean, always available power to the grid and behind-the-meter applications. In addition, it can provide hot water and steam that can be used for district heating, clean hydrogen and fuel production, reverse osmosis, and direct air capture.
Leading-edge technology and construction
BWRX-300 features
The construction technologies incorporated into the BWRX-300 design adopt advanced concrete solutions and innovative techniques that have been proven in the oil and gas, tunneling and power industries.
Right-sized and cost-effective
Using a combination of modular and open-top construction techniques, the Nth-of-a-kind BWRX-300 can be constructed in 24-36 months while achieving an approximate 90 percent volume reduction in plant layout. In addition, reducing the building volume by about 50 percent per MW should also account for 50 percent less concrete per MW—a significant improvement in both affordability and advantageous size.
Specifications
A closer look at the BWRX-300
An advanced reactor, the BWRX-300 uses natural circulation and passive cooling isolation condenser systems to promote simple and safe operating rhythms. In the global race for advanced nuclear power, the BWRX-300 sets itself apart with its proven, less complicated attributes
- Reactor type: Boiling water reactor
- Electrical capacity: 300 MW(e) net to the grid
- Primary circulation: Natural circulation
- Fuel enrichment: 3.81% (avg)/4.95% (max)
- Refueling cycle: 12-24 months
- Approach to safety systems: Fully passive
- Design life: 60 years
Videos
The role of nuclear energy in our carbon-free future
There’s a new type of nuclear that can provide power without any emissions: The BWRX-300.
Partnership and leadership
GE Hitachi has been selected by Ontario Power Generation as the technology partner for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, North America’s first SMR.
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