GE Vernova's vision of a BWRX-300 plant

A TVA-led coalition including BWRX-300 developer GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is applying for federal funding to support the US deployment of small modular reactors. Subsidiaries of American Electric Power are also seeking funding for the early stages of SMR development at sites in Indiana and Virginia.

The TVA-led coalition has submitted an application for USD800 million in funding from the US Department of Energy's Generation III+ SMR programme. As well as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the coalition includes Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), American Electric Power company Indiana Michigan Power, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent & Lundy, Scot Forge, other utilities and advanced nuclear project developers and the State of Tennessee.

"Nuclear power has a key role to play in reaching a cleaner and more secure energy future," Scott Strazik, CEO of GEH parent company GE Vernova, said. "Funding from this grant would play a critical role in the path forward," he added.

The Department of Energy (DOE) opened the applications for the grant funding to spur the first deployments of Gen III+ SMR in the USA last October. In the solicitation, a Gen III+ SMR is defined as a nuclear fission reactor that uses light water as a coolant and low-enriched uranium fuel, with a single-unit net electrical power output of 50-350 MWe, that maximises factory fabrication approaches, and the same or improved safety, security, and environmental benefits compared with current large nuclear power plant designs.

TVA is planning to deploy SMRs at Clinch River near Oak Ridge in Tennessee, for which it already has an early site permit. According to TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash, this funding would accelerate construction of an SMR at Clinch River by two years, with commercial operation planned for 2033. By working with these partners, the funding would also help establish a domestic supply chain and support future deployments of advanced nuclear units in the USA and beyond, he noted.

"We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nation's drive towards greater energy security," Lyash said. "Enabling and accelerating this technology will take innovation and partnership, as well as discipline and hard work. Nuclear is the most reliable and efficient energy the world has ever known, and TVA is uniquely positioned to help drive this forward. We are committed to working with partners and this grant would expedite our work as we invest in America's nuclear future."

Duke Energy President Harry Sideris said the company's participation in the grant reflects its commitment to nuclear energy's role in its long-term generation strategy. "Public-private partnerships such as this accelerate technology development and increase our access to industry learnings and best practices, so we can deliver the best value for our customers, communities and investors," he said.

The coalition would work as a collective group to assess risks and foster US heavy manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that could result in cost reductions and collaboration across deployments, and would also seek input from local communities, including those impacted by retired fossil plants, Duke Energy said.

As well as its role in the proposed coalition, Duke also announced that it has entered into an agreement with GEH to invest in activities to advance the standard design and licensing for the BWRX-300. "This agreement, along with participation in the potential US SMR coalition, will provide another avenue for Duke Energy to exchange valuable insight and best practices with TVA and other collaborators as they implement GE Hitachi's SMR technology. This work will help inform Duke Energy's near-term evaluation and early development activities for new nuclear, which supports the company's energy transition and will deliver value to its customers and communities," the company said.

Indiana site identified

In addition to the coalition funding application, American Electric Power (AEP)'s company Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) announced it is also applying for USD50 million of federal funds under the same DOE programme to begin the early stages of SMR development at Rockport in Indiana. Another AEP subsidiary Appalachian Power has submitted a separate grant proposal requesting USD35 million to offset the costs of the work necessary for an early site permit for a SMR project at Joshua Falls in Virginia.

I&M has applied for the funding as a subrecipient under TVA's application, with GEH as the reactor technology provider. If awarded the funds, I&M said it will conduct early site permit activities, as well as a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report, for the construction of a BWRX-300 at Rockport in Spencer County. Local and state officials have expressed their support for the project, and the Indiana Office of Energy Development in November issued a siting report performed by Purdue University which identifies Rockport as a suitable site.

“We are excited that Indiana Michigan Power is exploring SMR technology and is looking at its Rockport generation site in Spencer County as its home,” said Indiana State Representative Steve Bartels and Indiana State Senator Daryl Schmitt in a joint statement. “An SMR here would mean hundreds of great jobs for the area, provide local fiscal support to enhance the quality of life, local services, and create educational opportunities for our young people to help them build a career in energy production.”

Rockport is the second site identified by AEP for potential construction of a SMR: in November, Appalachian Power announced plans to begin the early site permit application process for an SMR project at Joshua Falls in Campbell County, Virginia, with plans to file an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission this Spring. The company has now applied for a federal grant to support the early site permit process, but has not yet identified a technology provider for the Virginia project, saying it is evaluating technology providers "to determine what is commercially viable at the site and aligns with Virginia's energy needs".

The DOE opened applications for funding to support the initial domestic deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor technologies last October, with up to USD800 million to go to two "first-mover" teams and USD100 million to address so-called gaps that have hindered plant deployments.