"The Dawn of a New Era: Groundbreaking Partnership Forms to Construct North America's First Grid-Scale Small Modular Reactor"

"Unlock the Secrets of North America's Groundbreaking Energy Move: A Trailblazing Team of Power Giants Joins Forces to Deliver the First Commercial Contract for a Grid-Scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Discover how Ontario Power Generation, GE Hitachi, SNC-Lavalin, and Aecon are revolutionizing the energy landscape with their cutting-edge integrated project delivery model to engineer, develop, and construct a BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington New Nuclear Project."

L-R: Hartwick, Wileman, SNC-Lavalin SNC President, Nuclear Joe St Julian and Clochard at the livestreamed signing (Image: OPG on Twitter)

"Revolutionary Energy Alliance Takes Shape: Four Powerhouses Join Forces to Spark a Nuclear Renaissance. Get ready to witness history in the making as Ontario Power Generation, GE Hitachi, SNC-Lavalin, and Aecon come together to deliver North America's first commercial contract for a Grid-Scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Discover how each partner is poised to play a pivotal role in this innovative and integrated project delivery model, aimed at constructing a BWRX-300 at OPG's Darlington New Nuclear Project.

The six-year partnership, set to culminate with the supply of power to the grid in 2029, will see the companies harness their collective expertise to create a new era of zero-emission energy generation. OPG, as the license holder, will oversee the project and provide operator training, commissioning, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder outreach and oversight. GEH, the technology developer, will take the lead on design, procurement of major components, and engineering and support. SNC-Lavalin will bring its engineering and building know-how to the table, including project management, licensing, procurement, and commissioning, along with its digital delivery capabilities. And Aecon, the constructor, will handle all construction services, leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise to ensure safe, quality, and cost-effective delivery.

With the Darlington site being the only Canadian location licensed for new nuclear, the BWRX-300 has also piqued the interest of the world. There is a growing global enthusiasm for the reactor, with US and Canadian regulators cooperating on its licensing and the Tennessee Valley Authority planning and pursuing a potential deployment at Clinch River near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The BWRX-300 has been selected for potential deployment in Saskatchewan in the mid-2030s and has begun the pre-licensing process with Poland's National Atomic Energy Agency. GEH has also initiated the licensing process for the reactor in the UK and has established agreements with several companies globally.

With the expertise of each company aligned and the potential for a nuclear renaissance on the horizon, this alliance is poised to deliver on its promise of energy security, reliability, and sustainability for generations to come. The stage is set, and the players are in place. Get ready for a revolutionary energy experience like no other."

Some of the advantages of SMR are:

Scalability: SMRs can be tailored to meet specific energy demands, and additional units can be added as energy needs increase.

Cost-effectiveness: SMRs have a smaller capital cost, and their modular design reduces construction time and complexity compared to traditional large-scale reactors.

Flexibility: SMRs can be deployed in a variety of locations, including remote and off-grid sites, and can also be used for process heat applications beyond electricity generation.

Enhanced Safety: SMRs often have passive safety systems that do not rely on active systems or operator intervention in the event of an emergency.

Improved Sustainability: SMRs produce low-carbon, low-waste energy, and can support sustainable energy development initiatives.

Proliferation resistance: Due to their small size and ability to use low-enriched fuel, SMRs pose a reduced proliferation risk.

Source: (worldnuclearnews)

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