GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Canadian industrial valve manufacturer Velan have signed a collaboration agreement in Paris to explore the supply of Reactor Integral Isolation Valves (RIIV) and Containment Isolation Valves (CIV) for GVH's BWRX-300 small modular reactor projects across Europe. The deal was signed at GE Vernova's Paris offices in the presence of Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce.
Building On Darlington
The agreement extends work Velan is already doing at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) in Ontario, where Ontario Power Generation is deploying the first BWRX-300 — the western world's first commercial-scale SMR under construction. "Our work with Velan at Darlington has helped establish capabilities that can support future BWRX-300 opportunities in Europe," said Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader at GVH.
Europe Is The Next SMR Battleground
GVH is pursuing BWRX-300 opportunities in multiple European countries, notably Poland, where GVH and Orlen Synthos Green Energy are executing engineering activities to support the deployment of at least 24 BWRX-300 units. The 300-MW SMR is one of a small number of Western designs on the cusp of first construction, alongside Applied Atomics' mPower and Valar Atomics' Ward 250.
Ontario's Industrial Play
Lecce framed the deal as an export win. "Ontario will build and export Ontario-made nuclear components for Europe's growing SMR market," he said, pointing to $600 billion in global SMR investment expected over the coming decades. Velan brings more than seven decades of nuclear-grade valve engineering to the table.
Reporting based on coverage from GE Vernova, World Nuclear News and energiesmedia.