Worley Chemetics joins GE Vernova to strengthen the safety of the BWRX-300 modular reactor

GE Vernova partners with Worley Chemetics to manufacture a key component of the BWRX-300 modular reactor, aiming to enhance safety and stimulate Ontario's nuclear economy.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

GE Vernova, through its subsidiary GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), has announced a strategic partnership with Canada-based Worley Chemetics, a company specializing in industrial manufacturing, to design and manufacture the isolation condenser system for the BWRX-300 modular reactor. This 300 MW SMR (Small Modular Reactor) is set to become the first SMR connected to the power grid in North America, marking a crucial step in the energy transition.

The isolation condenser system is a central element of the BWRX-300’s passive safety, allowing it to manage residual heat in case of external power failure, thereby ensuring autonomous reactor cooling. “We are excited to work with Worley Chemetics to design a solution that will ensure safety, quality, and performance,” stated Sean Sexstone, Executive Vice President of GEH. Manufacturing will take place at Worley Chemetics’ plant in Pickering, Ontario, a recently expanded site specialized in high-performance alloys that recently achieved ASME certification for the nuclear sector.

Strengthening Ontario’s Nuclear Supply Chain

Worley Chemetics thus becomes a member of the BWRX-300 qualified supplier group, an initiative by GE Vernova to secure and optimize the supply of components for this advanced modular reactor. The group aims to support reliable and cost-effective manufacturing while encouraging innovation in the production process. By joining, Worley Chemetics joins BWXT Canada Ltd., and new members are expected to be added in the coming months.

For Ontario, this collaboration brings significant economic benefits, consolidating the region’s role as a nuclear hub in Canada. According to Andrew Barr, President of Worley Chemetics, this partnership reinforces a “60-year tradition in sustainable process technologies” and aligns with the company’s strategic vision to expand nuclear applications in response to energy transition challenges.

Building a Reactor at Darlington Starting in 2025

The first installation of the BWRX-300 is planned for the Darlington nuclear site, operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), a public company known for its successfully managed nuclear refurbishment projects. OPG has signed a contract with GEH, AtkinsRéalis, and Aecon Construction Group for the construction of the first BWRX-300 reactor. Site preparation has already been completed, and construction is expected to begin in 2025, with commercial operation scheduled for late 2029.

The Darlington project includes the installation of four 300 MW units, potentially paving the way for this technology to expand to other regions. The project partners aim to leverage OPG’s experience and proven expertise, combined with GEH’s reactor know-how, to provide a more affordable and reliable nuclear infrastructure.

A Key Innovation for the Energy Transition

The BWRX-300 reactor represents a significant advancement in the nuclear energy sector, combining proven components and design simplifications to reduce construction and operating costs. Based on an NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)-certified design, the BWRX-300 is seen as an essential tool in decarbonization efforts, responding to a growing demand for low-carbon energy. GE Vernova, through this project, continues its ambition to lead in the energy transition, offering advanced nuclear solutions that combine safety and cost-effectiveness.

A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.