Hitachi Nuclear Energy seeks validation of its SMR

Hitachi Nuclear Energy announces that it has submitted a generic design evaluation application for the Small Modular Reactor (SMR).

Share:

Hitachi Nuclear Energy announces that it has submitted a generic design evaluation application for the Small Modular Reactor (SMR).

A request for authorization

Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) submits the SMR, BWRX-300 to the UK Department for Energy and Industrial Strategy. There is international interest in the BWRX-300, including interest from SaskPower to deploy this model of SMR in Canada. The generic design evaluation process is designed to evaluate safety, security and environmental protection standards.

Jacobs is supporting Hitachi in the preparation of this approach. The company has been supporting the licensing of new nuclear power plant projects in the UK since 2007. Hitachi’s SMR represents a suitable technology to help the UK achieve its decarbonization and energy security plans.

The country’s goal is to have 24GW of nuclear generation capacity by 2050. Hitachi believes that a fleet of BWRX-300s would adequately meet these UK ambitions. Dawn James, Vice President, Nuclear Energy, Jacobs, states:

“Our work with Hitachi Nuclear Energy on this application will advance our shared goal of ensuring the UK’s energy security and building a more connected and sustainable world.”

An international development

In Canada, Ontario Power Generation recently selected this small reactor model for potential deployment as early as 2028. The Canadian company was submitting its application for a building permit for the Darlington site. GEH also concluded agreements with companies in Poland, the Czech Republic and the United States.

In the U.S., several companies are also embracing Hitachi’s SMR. Tennessee Valley Authority selects BWRX-300 technology for potential deployment. A building permit application is being developed for the Clinch River site.

Finally, in Poland, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy is submitting an application to the National Atomic Energy Agency for evaluation of the BWRX-300. The Polish company plans to begin deploying a fleet of small modular reactors by the end of the decade. Indeed, this small reactor reduces the costs of operation compared to other nuclear technologies.

The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.