The Tennessee Valley Authority’s application to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at its Clinch...
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s application to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at its Clinch River site in Tennessee has been accepted for review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
TVA is the first utility in the United States to submit a construction permit application for GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GEH) BWRX-300 technology.
“In December 2019, TVA became the first utility in the nation to successfully obtain approval for an early site permit from the NRC approving a potential nuclear power facility for the Clinch River site,” said TVA.
The regulator expects to complete its review within 17 months. TVA submitted its application to the NRC in May.
“This is an exciting step to bringing the nation’s first utility-led SMR online,” added TVA President and CEO Don Moul.
“As the first utility in the United States to have a construction permit application under review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the BWRX-300 reactor, this will create a path for other utilities to deploy the reactor — ensuring energy security and reliable electricity for all.”
Site offers significant advantage
TVA stated that preliminary site preparation work could begin as early as next year while the NRC reviews the company’s application.
TVA already holds an early site permit for SMRs at the Clinch River site, near Oak Ridge, which certifies the site is suitable from a safety, environmental, and emergency planning standpoint. The utility has also submitted a required Environmental Report for the project to the NRC.
“The site offers significant advantages including two existing power lines that cross the site, access from Highway 58 and a brownfield site previously disturbed and characterized as part of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project,” remarked TVA.
Modular design of SMRs
The BWRX-300 is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR with passive safety systems. The design is based on the licensed ESBWR boiling water reactor previously developed by GEH and is the only boiling water SMR design under development in the United States. It is designed to utilize established supply chains.
According to TVA, the smaller size and modular design of SMRs mean they can potentially be built more quickly, are easier to operate, and offer safety enhancements compared to the currently operating commercial nuclear fleet.
The Clinch River project is part of a technical collaboration agreement between TVA, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Polish company Synthos Green Energy, and GEH to support the development of the BWRX-300 design.
In Canada, OPG has been approved to start construction of four BWRX-300 units at its Darlington site, with commercial operation expected by the end of 2029.
TVA is also leading a coalition of utility companies and supply chain partners that has applied for a grant of $800 million from the US Department of Energy to support construction, and an $8 million grant to support the cost of the licence review.