TVA submits first US BWRX-300 construction application
The Tennessee Valley Authority has submitted an application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a permit to build a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 small modular reactor at Clinch River.
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This makes the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) the first utility in the USA to submit a construction permit application for the BWRX-300 technology, and was described by TVA President and CEO Don Moul as "a significant milestone" for TVA, as well as for the region and the USA, accelerating the development of new nuclear technology, its supply chain and delivery model. "TVA has put in the work to advance the design and develop the first application for the BWRX-300 technology, creating a path for other utilities who choose to build the same technology," he said, adding that TVA "looks forward to working with the Administration to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies … we believe deploying new nuclear is essential to providing American families and businesses affordable and abundant electricity for decades to come".
TVA has invested in the standard design of the BWRX-300 as part of a technical collaboration agreement with Ontario Power Generation, Polish company Synthos Green Energy and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH, formerly GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, GEH). It is also also leading a coalition of utility companies and supply chain partners that has applied for a grant of USD800 million from the US Department of Energy to accelerate construction of the USA's first small modular reactor, and a USD8 million grant to support the cost of the licence review.
Small modular reactors - SMRs - are reactors with a smaller and more modular design than the USA's currently operating commercial nuclear fleet. As well as offering safety enhancements, their smaller footprint and modular design means they can potentially be built more quickly, are easier to operate and better fit into the landscape due to their compact size, TVA said.
TVA already holds an early site permit for SMRs at the Clinch River site, certifying that the site near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is suitable for the construction of a nuclear power plant from the point of view of site safety, environmental impact and emergency planning. It has also completed and submitted an Environmental Report for the project to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and says site preparation for the SMR could begin as soon as 2026.
"TVA’s investment in the standard design of the BWRX-300 technology will accelerate its deployment, helping meet the rising demand for energy and enhancing energy security," GVH President and CEO Craig Ranson said. "This milestone, in addition to this month's decision by the Province of Ontario to build the western world's first SMR, demonstrates that this technology is advanced and real."
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 ESBWR boiling water reactor developed by GEH. Earlier this month, the Canadian province of Ontario approved OPG to start construction of the first of four BWRX-300 units planned at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site.
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