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- Samsung C&T signed an MOU with GE Vernova, Hitachi and Synthos Green Energy to advance BWRX-300 small modular reactor fleets in Central and Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom
- The partnership combines nuclear technology, industrial expertise, global EPC capabilities and a European development platform to accelerate commercialization and establish a model for repeated deployment across multiple countries
Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction (E&C) Group is expanding its European SMR business through a four-company partnership focused on developing fleets of BWRX-300 reactors across Central and Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom. By bringing together reactor technology, industrial expertise, global project delivery and regional development capabilities, the partners aim to establish a model for deploying standardized nuclear fleets across multiple markets.
On Sept. 22, the Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE Vernova, Hitachi and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) to cooperate on market development and identify commercial opportunities for BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs). The signing took place at the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy Policy Summit in New York, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
A Fleet Approach to European SMR Development
Under the agreement, the four companies will refine their BWRX-300 deployment strategies and work to accelerate commercialization. Their approach centers on a fleet: a portfolio of multiple nuclear reactor units developed and operated together at scale.
The partners plan to combine their respective strengths in nuclear technology, industrial capabilities, global engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and European business development. Together, these capabilities will form the basis of a business model for repeated deployment of standardized BWRX-300 fleets across several countries.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), a joint venture between GE Vernova and Hitachi, will supply the design and technology for the 300 MW BWRX-300. Hitachi will contribute its nuclear technology and industrial expertise, while Samsung C&T E&C Group will provide global EPC capabilities built on its experience delivering major nuclear power and energy infrastructure projects.
SGE, which is developing BWRX-300 fleets in Europe, will continue to lead business development for the technology in the region.
BWRX-300 Fleet Development in Europe
The BWRX-300 is a 300 MW SMR based on boiling water reactor technology. Drawing on decades of commercial boiling water reactor experience, it uses a simplified, standardized design to improve efficiency. Construction of the first unit is underway in Canada, and the technology is expected to help strengthen Europe’s energy security and deliver electricity at scale.
SGE has secured Decisions in Principle for 26 BWRX-300 reactors in Poland. Its current development efforts focus on three sites with the potential to accommodate the first 14 units.
In the United Kingdom, SGE is pursuing a fleet of 14 reactors across three multi-unit sites, with a combined capacity of 4.2 GW. The proposal has entered the Preliminary Regulatory Assessment Deep Dive led by Great British Energy–Nuclear (GBE-N), the UK’s state-owned nuclear organization.
Building on this cooperation, the four companies will identify further business opportunities throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.
Combining Global Expertise for Europe’s Next Nuclear Projects
The partners emphasized the importance of combining complementary capabilities to deploy nuclear reactors across multiple markets.
“Deploying nuclear power at the scale Europe needs requires strong cooperation, repeatable execution and supply chains capable of supporting a fleet,” said Scott Strazik, Chief Executive Officer of GE Vernova. “This collaboration will accelerate BWRX-300 deployment across multiple markets and build on the technological momentum already established through projects underway in Europe and around the world.”
“This collaboration brings together the strengths and expertise of each partner,” said Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Executive Vice President of Hitachi. “Hitachi will contribute to exploring BWRX-300 deployment in Europe by drawing on the technological capabilities developed through its nuclear business and its collaboration with leading Japanese suppliers.”
“This agreement combines GVH’s American nuclear technology, the industrial and technological capabilities of Hitachi and Samsung C&T, and SGE’s European BWRX-300 development platform,” said Rafał Kasprów, Chief Executive Officer of SGE. “By establishing standardized BWRX-300 fleets across the European Union and the United Kingdom, we aim to strengthen Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.”
The agreement also builds on Samsung C&T’s ongoing collaboration with GVH, including recent progress with Studsvik in Sweden.
“Samsung C&T is working with GVH on BWRX-300 deployment and recently achieved a meaningful outcome with Studsvik in Sweden,” said Jung-wook Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Overseas Business at Samsung C&T E&C Group. “It is meaningful to open a new chapter in Europe’s SMR business together with GE Vernova, Hitachi and SGE.”
