GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy – BWRX-300

About SMR

Small Modular Reactors

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear fission reactors that are smaller than conventional reactors. The term “small” in the context of SMRs refers to design power output.

Small modular reactors have a power output of less than 300 MWe. The term “modular” in the context of SMRs refers to its scalability and to the ability to fabricate major components of the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) in a factory environment and then transported them to the site.

Key characteristics:

Modularity

Improved safety

Easier construction

See also: www.nuclear-power.com

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy – BWRX-300

BWRX-300 – A boiling water reactor (BWR) design that uses natural circulation to passively cool the reactor in the event of a loss of power or cooling. The BWRX-300 is designed to be simple, safe, and cost-effective, with a standardized design that can be replicated across multiple units.

Here are some characteristics of the BWRX-300:

1. Design: The BWRX-300 is a boiling water reactor (BWR) design that is based on the existing GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) BWR technology. The design uses passive safety features to simplify the design and enhance safety.
2. Size: The BWRX-300 has a capacity of 300 MW. The small size of the reactor allows for factory fabrication and modular construction, which can reduce construction costs and time.
3. Safety: The BWRX-300 is designed with passive safety features that rely on natural processes, such as gravity and convection, to cool the reactor in the event of an accident. The design also includes a passive containment cooling system to enhance safety.
4. Cost: The modular design of the BWRX-300 is intended to reduce construction costs and time, as modules can be manufactured off-site and transported to the site for installation. The small size of the reactor also allows for simpler, more standardized designs that can be replicated across multiple units.
5. Licensing: The BWRX-300 is currently undergoing review by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for licensing in the United States. The design has also been proposed for use in several other countries, including Canada and Poland.
6. Deployment: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has announced partnerships with several companies to deploy the BWRX-300 in various locations, including in the United States, Canada, and Poland. The first commercial deployment of the BWRX-300 is expected to occur in the mid-2020s.