GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Velan have entered into a new collaboration agreement aimed at supporting the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) projects across Europe. The agreement marks another important step in advancing the supply chain for next-generation nuclear energy infrastructure and builds on the successful relationship established through ongoing projects in North America.
Under the collaboration, Velan will provide expertise and manufacturing capabilities for Reactor Integral Isolation Valves (RIIV) and Containment Isolation Valves (CIV) for future BWRX-300 projects in Europe. These highly engineered valve systems play a critical role in nuclear power plant operations by regulating coolant flow, supporting reactor safety functions, and ensuring long-term operational reliability.
The partnership extends the companies’ work on the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Ontario, Canada, where Velan is supplying critical valve technology for the first BWRX-300 reactor currently under construction. The project has become a significant milestone for the global nuclear sector, representing the first commercial-scale small modular reactor under construction in the Western world.
As countries across Europe seek secure, low-carbon energy sources, interest in small modular reactors continues to grow. GE Vernova Hitachi is actively pursuing opportunities in several European markets, including Poland, where the company and Orlen Synthos Green Energy are undertaking engineering and development activities to support the planned deployment of at least 24 BWRX-300 units.
The BWRX-300 is a 300-megawatt advanced reactor designed to deliver dependable, carbon-free electricity while offering simplified construction, enhanced safety features and improved economic performance. The technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in helping countries diversify energy supplies and achieve long-term climate objectives.
Amir Mujezinovic, Strategy Leader at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, said the collaboration demonstrates the value of leveraging experience gained from early projects to support future reactor deployments.
“One of the key advantages of fleet deployment is the ability to apply lessons learned from initial projects to those that follow,” he said. “Our work with Velan on the Darlington project has helped establish proven capabilities that can support future BWRX-300 opportunities throughout Europe. As we engage with customers across the region, we remain committed to combining local industry participation with trusted suppliers that bring proven expertise and execution capabilities.”
Laurent Pefferkorn, Executive Vice-President, Global Sales at Velan, highlighted the strategic importance of advanced valve systems in nuclear facilities. “The valve package is among the most critical equipment in a nuclear power plant, requiring specialized engineering, precision manufacturing and rigorous quality assurance,” he said. “Drawing on more than 70 years of nuclear industry experience and our involvement in the Darlington project, Velan is well positioned to support GE Vernova Hitachi in delivering future BWRX-300 projects across Europe.”
GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, through its long-standing alliance with Hitachi, is a leading global provider of nuclear reactor technology, fuel solutions, and lifecycle services. Its portfolio includes advanced boiling water reactor (BWR) technologies and the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR), a next-generation design focused on simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effective deployment.
Its fuel business, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), is among the world’s leading suppliers of fuel for boiling water reactors, offering fuel design, manufacturing, and engineering services to nuclear power operators worldwide. GNF operates as a joint venture led by GE Vernova in partnership with Hitachi, Ltd, with major operations in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, and Kurihama, Japan, serving customers across global nuclear energy markets.
