GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, BWXT Canada and Synthos Green Energy Announce Intention to Support Deployment of Small Modular Reactors in Poland

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT Canada), and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) today announced their intention to cooperate in deploying BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMR) in Poland.

SGE, together with its partners, desires to deploy at least 10 BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland by the early 2030s, and through the letter of intent that was announced today during a ceremony at BWXT Canada's Cambridge, Ontario headquarters, BWXT could manufacture a wide range of products including reactor pressure vessels, reactor internals, and other key components. Orders for these products from BWXT Canada could be worth up to $1 billion CAD and result in hundreds of new jobs in Ontario.   

GEH has also been selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as the technology partner for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. GEH is working with OPG to deploy a BWRX-300 at the Darlington site to complete as early as 2028.   

OPG and SGE recently signed a collaboration agreement in which they agreed to explore mutually beneficial planning and preparation best practices for constructing a SMR, including supply chain development.

GE's support for the Canadian nuclear industry dates to the early 1950s. The company helped build the first Canadian nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor that became the basis for the entire CANDU fleet. Today, GEH is partnering with several Canadian firms to build a supply chain to support the deployment of the BWRX-300.

"BWXT Canada is pleased to be expanding our cooperation with GEH to deploy their innovative SMR technology to Poland," said John MacQuarrie, President of BWXT Canada. "Our highly unique facilities and skilled workforce in Cambridge and at our other locations in Ontario are well suited to manufacture a variety of products for this advanced reactor. "

"OPG's decision to build a grid-scale SMR is extremely important not only for Canada and for us as Synthos Green Energy, but for the whole planet as it makes it possible to implement similar projects in Poland and around the world," said Michal Solowow, Synthos owner. "As Poland decommissions coal-fired sources, SMRs can play an essential role in deep decarbonization and in meeting the energy needs of a growing economy. I look forward to Poland having a special position on the global map of SMR technology development."

"OPG is leading the way in the development and deployment of the next generation of clean nuclear power in Canada with help from Ontario's robust nuclear supply chain, including at BWXT," said Ken Hartwick, OPG President, and CEO. "As we advance this project, we are pleased to work with other jurisdictions also working to battle climate change using the affordable, zero-emissions power supplied by small modular reactors."

"Canada is ready to lead the world in the deployment of small modular reactors and BWXT Canada is strongly positioned to support the deployment of our SMR technology in Canada and around the world," said Jay Wileman, President & CEO, GEH. "With rapidly growing global interest in the BWRX-300, GEH is poised to bring significant value to Canada through partners like SGE, benefitting Canada with high paying jobs for decades to come."

"This landmark agreement between GEH, BWXT Canada and SGE is proof that the world is watching Ontario when it comes to SMRs," said Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. "Our strong nuclear supply chain and talented workforce are already paying dividends and cementing our reputation as a global hub for SMR expertise."

SGE is a part of the largest private industrial group in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), operating in several countries and owned by Michal Solowow, a leading Polish private investor and industrialist. The company targets the first BWRX-300 in Poland to be operational in 2029. To support that goal, have established partnerships, among others, with PKN ORLEN, the largest multi-energy corporation in the CEE.

BWXT Canada is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing commercial nuclear components. This collaboration further strengthens the Ontario nuclear supply chain by offering significant and long-term export opportunities while helping Poland meet its decarbonization goals.

Advanced nuclear technologies like the BWRX-300 are a key pillar of GE's energy transition leadership. In addition to helping customers achieve carbon-emission goals, the BWRX-300 has been designed to achieve construction and operating costs that are substantially lower than traditional nuclear power generation technologies.