Samsung C&T builds European SMR global partnership to strengthen energy security

Samsung C&T signed a memorandum of understanding with GE Vernova, Hitachi and SGE on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, at the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy Policy Summit, to develop markets and identify commercial opportunities for the BWRX-300 small modular reactor.

The BWRX-300 is a 300 MW-class SMR based on boiling water reactor technology, which uses heat from nuclear fission to boil water inside the reactor and drive a turbine with the resulting steam.

Under the agreement, the four companies plan to finalize a deployment strategy for the BWRX-300 and push for early commercialization. They will combine their respective strengths — nuclear technology, industrial capacity, global engineering, procurement and construction, and European business development — to build a business model capable of repeatedly deploying a standardized fleet of BWRX-300 units across multiple countries.

Design and technology will be handled by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, a joint venture between GE Vernova and Hitachi, while Hitachi will contribute nuclear technology and industrial expertise. Samsung C&T will take charge of design, procurement and construction, drawing on its experience with major nuclear and energy infrastructure projects. SGE will continue to lead business development across Europe.

The BWRX-300 is currently under construction in Canada as its first unit and is expected to strengthen Europe's energy security and contribute to large-scale power supply on the strength of its proven technology.

SGE has already secured a decision in principle for 26 BWRX-300 units in Poland and is currently focusing development on three sites capable of hosting the first 14 units. In the United Kingdom, the partnership is pursuing development of 14 units totaling 4.2 gigawatts across three multi-unit sites and has entered the detailed review stage of a preliminary regulatory assessment led by Great British Energy – Nuclear. The four companies plan to build on this collaboration to identify additional opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom, contributing to European energy security and industrial competitiveness.

Samsung C&T Executive Vice President Kim Jung-wook, head of overseas business, said the company has been working with GVH on BWRX-300 deployment and recently achieved meaningful results at Studsvik in Sweden. "We are honored to open a new chapter in Europe's SMR business together with GE Vernova, Hitachi and SGE," he said.

Meanwhile, Samsung C&T also signed a separate strategic MOU with US-based SMR developer Kairos Power on Tuesday to advance the demonstration and commercialization of next-generation SMR projects.