Aecon to assist in Estonian deployment of BWRX-300

The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for Aecon and Fermi Energia to work together during the SMR development phase as the exclusive provider to develop a qualified domestic nuclear capability, modeled after the Canadian experience, to benefit BWRX-300 deployment in Estonia.

During the agreement's three-year term, the parties will strategise, plan, and evaluate paths forward for the deployment of the BWRX-300 in Estonia. Fermi Energia and Aecon will work together on pre-construction schedule and cost planning, and development of a capable reactor building deployment team, in collaboration with local and international partners.

Aecon is providing construction services - including project management, construction planning and execution - for the Canadian deployment of the BWRX-300 at Ontario Power Generation's (OPG's) Darlington site. The government of Ontario gave its approval for construction to begin on 8 May this year. OPG says it is set to be the first commercial grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) in North America, with an in-service target date of 2030.

"We are proud to partner with Fermi Energia as Estonia advances its SMR programme in support of the energy transition," said Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President, Aecon Nuclear. "Aecon's experience working on the G7's first BWRX-300 in Canada gives us the unique position to bring our strong nuclear expertise and technical solutions to one of the most critical aspects of this new build programme, including advanced manufacturing, automation processes, lessons learned and best practices."

Fermi Energia CEO Kalev Kallemets added: "This agreement builds on Aecon's proven experience and gives Estonia access to the world's most advanced SMR construction expertise. It is a significant step forward towards our goal of delivering safe, reliable, and carbon-free nuclear energy for Estonia's future."

Fermi Energia was founded by Estonian energy and nuclear energy professionals to develop deployment of SMRs in Estonia. In July 2019, the company launched a feasibility study on the suitability of SMRs for Estonia's electricity supply and climate goals beyond 2030, following a financing round from investors and shareholders.

In February 2023, the company selected GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment by the early 2030s. The BWRX-300 design is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems that leverages the design and licensing basis of the company's ESBWR boiling water reactor.

Fermi Energia expects to submit a construction permit application for the proposed plant in 2029, with construction targeted to begin in 2031. The first of two SMRs is set to be operational by the second half of 2035.