Supply chain participation in deployment of small modular reactors in Poland could generate more than $1 billion in GDP for Canada, accelerate decarbonization of Polish economy and increase its competitiveness

CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO—December 15, 2021—GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT Canada) and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) today announced their intention to cooperate in deploying BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMR) in Poland.

SGE, together with its partners, desires to deploy at least 10 BWRX-300 SMRs in Poland by the early 2030s and through the letter of intent that was announced today during a ceremony at BWXT Canada’s Cambridge, Ontario headquarters, BWXT could manufacture a wide range of products including reactor pressure vessels, reactor internals and other key components. Orders for these products from BWXT Canada could be worth up to $1 billion CAD and result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs in Ontario.   

GEH has also been selected by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as the technology partner for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. GEH is working with OPG to deploy a BWRX-300 at the Darlington site that could be complete as early as 2028.   

OPG and SGE recently signed a collaboration agreement in which they agreed to, together, explore mutually beneficial planning and preparation best practices for constructing a SMR, including supply chain development.

GE’s support for the Canadian nuclear industry dates to the early 1950s. The company helped build the first Canadian nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor that became the basis for the entire CANDU fleet. Today, GEH is partnering with several Canadian firms as it builds a supply chain to support deployment of the BWRX-300.

“BWXT Canada is pleased to be expanding our cooperation with GEH to deploy their innovative SMR technology to Poland,” said John MacQuarrie, President of BWXT Canada. “Our highly unique facilities and skilled workforce in Cambridge and at our other locations in Ontario are well suited to manufacture a variety of products for this advanced reactor. “

“OPG's decision to build a grid-scale SMR is extremely important not only for Canada and for us as Synthos Green Energy, but for the whole planet as it makes it possible to implement similar projects in Poland and around the world,” said Michał Sołowow, Synthos owner. “As Poland decommissions coal-fired sources, SMRs can play an essential role in deep decarbonization and in meeting the energy needs of a growing economy. I look forward to Poland having a special position on the global map of SMR technology development.”

“OPG is leading the way in development and deployment of the next generation of clean nuclear power in Canada with help from Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain, including at BWXT,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. “As we advance this project, we are pleased to work with other jurisdictions also working to battle climate change using the affordable, zero-emissions power supplied by small modular reactors.”

“Canada is ready to lead the world in the deployment of small modular reactors and BWXT Canada is strongly positioned to support the deployment of our SMR technology in Canada and around the world,” said Jay Wileman, President & CEO, GEH. “With rapidly growing global interest in the BWRX-300, GEH is poised to bring significant value to Canada through partners like SGE, benefitting Canada with high paying jobs for decades to come.”

“This landmark agreement between GEH, BWXT Canada and SGE is proof that the world is watching Ontario when it comes to SMRs,” said Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. “Our strong nuclear supply chain and talented workforce are already paying dividends and cementing our reputation as a global hub for SMR expertise.”

SGE is a part of the largest private industrial group in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), operating in several countries and owned by Michał Sołowow, a leading Polish private investor and industrialist. The company is targeting the first BWRX-300 in Poland to be operational in 2029 and to support that goal has established partnerships among others with PKN ORLEN, the largest multi-energy corporation in the CEE.

BWXT Canada is a global leader in the design, manufacture and service of commercial nuclear components. This collaboration further strengthens the Ontario nuclear supply chain by offering significant and long-term export opportunities while helping Poland meet its decarbonization goals.

Advanced nuclear technologies like the BWRX-300 are a key pillar of GE’s energy transition leadership. In addition to helping customers achieve carbon-emission goals, the BWRX-300 has been designed to achieve construction and operating costs that are substantially lower than traditional nuclear power generation technologies.

About GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety. Follow GEH on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Synthos Green Energy

Synthos Green Energy (SGE) has been established to develop and implement zero-emission technologies and electricity production from renewable sources. The company is interested in obtaining affordable, on-demand, carbon-free electricity from a dependable, dedicated source. SGE is a part of the biggest private industrial group owned by Michał Sołowow, a leading Polish private investor and industrialist. Currently, the company is focused on two key projects: offshore wind farms and nuclear power based on small modular reactors. SGE is also working on solutions allowing for production of hydrogen from high-temperature steam. Follow SGE on Twitter.

About BWXT Canada Ltd.

BWXT Canada Ltd. (BWXT Canada) has over 60 years of expertise and experience in the design, manufacturing, commissioning and service of nuclear power generation equipment. This includes steam generators, nuclear fuel and fuel components, critical plant components, parts and related plant services. BWXT Canada’s sister company, BWXT Medical Ltd. provides its customers, who conduct life-saving medical procedures for patients around the world, the benefit of decades of experience in the development, manufacturing, packaging and delivery of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, BWXT in Canada has approximately 1,500 employees at locations in Cambridge, Dundas, Peterborough, Toronto, Arnprior, Pickering, Port Elgin, Owen Sound, Kanata and Oakville, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia. BWXT Canada is a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT). Follow us on Twitter @BWXT and learn more at www.bwxt.com.

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Forward Looking Statements

BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the letter of intent for manufacture and supply of SMRs in Poland, including the potential impact, timing, value and benefits thereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, regulatory approvals, manufacturing delays, execution of contracts and other factors. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWX Technologies, Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law. 

Video Recording of Event:

For more information, contact:

Jon Allen
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
+1 910 819 2581
jonathan.allen1@ge.com

Natalie Cutler
BWXT Canada Ltd.
+1 519 620 5288
nacutler@bwxt.com

Mariusz Ilnicki
Synthos Green Energy
+48 668 48 36 73
mariusz.illnicki@synthosgreenenergy.com