After rigorous evaluation and analysis of available technologies, Quasar Electricity selected GE-Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR as its preferred technology. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed in 2021, which is now under review following GE-Hitachi restructuring into GE Vernova. GE Vernova is an independent entity and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“GEV”) in 2024. The BWRX-300 remains Quasar’s preferred technology . Quasar Electricity is committed to explore the UK Government’s Alternative Routes to Market and become a private owner/ investor/power generator for the UK’ first-of-kind 1GW SMR.
As the tenth evolution of the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), the BWRX-300 represents the simplest, yet most innovative BWR design since GE began developing nuclear reactors in 1955.
Advanced nuclear technologies like the BWRX-300 are a key pillar of GE’s energy transition leadership. The BWRX-300 produces no carbon during operation and has been designed to achieve construction and operating costs that are substantially lower than traditional nuclear power generation technologies.
BENEFITS AND FEATURES
- 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
- Cost competitive: Projected to have up to 60% less capital cost per MW when compared with typical water-cooled SMR
- Quick deployment: Deployable as early as 2028 thanks to proven know-how and construction techniques
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
GEH has been selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as the technology partner for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. GEH will work with OPG to deploy a BWRX-300 at the Darlington site that could be complete as early as 2028.
There is significant and growing global interest in the BWRX-300. In addition to Canada, GEH has agreements in place with utilities and companies in the U.S., Poland, Estonia and the Czech Republic to explore deployment of the technology.
DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN SCALE AND COMPLEXITY
Building on more than 30 years of ESBWR development, the BWRX-300 reduces scale and complexity resulting in an SMR that is smarter, safer, faster and less costly to both build and operate.
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, tunnelling and power industries.
Using a combination of modular and open-top construction techniques, the 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.
In other words, the BWRX-300 represents a significant improvement in both affordability and advantageous size.
As a “smart 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 processes.
Further information on the BWRX-300 can be found here.