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GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) has officially partnered with Swedish engineering firm AFRY to accelerate the deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) across Sweden. The non-exclusive main services agreement aims to establish a robust local supply chain and navigate the regulatory landscape for advanced nuclear technology in Europe.
For energy sector professionals and policymakers tracking the European energy transition, this collaboration signals a critical step toward commercializing SMRs. By integrating AFRY's regional engineering expertise, GVH is positioning Sweden to become a central hub in the global SMR value chain, enabling local industries to capitalize on low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Under the agreement, AFRY will deliver comprehensive engineering and advisory services tailored to the European market. A primary objective of the partnership is to support GVH in developing a formal license application for the BWRX-300, which will be submitted to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.
Jason Cooper, CEO of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond reactor technology to foster long-term local capability development. Similarly, Elon Hägg, EVP and head of Global Division Energy at AFRY, noted that the collaboration connects local expertise with international reach to advance Sweden's nuclear power program.
The BWRX-300 is already gaining traction globally as a leading SMR design. The first unit is currently under construction at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington site in Canada, with completion targeted by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing the Tennessee Valley Authority's application to build a BWRX-300 at the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The Strategic Push for European SMR Dominance
The alliance between GVH and AFRY highlights a crucial reality in the modern nuclear renaissance: technological innovation must be paired with deep local regulatory knowledge to succeed. By tapping into AFRY's established presence, GVH significantly de-risks the licensing process with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.
Furthermore, with the Darlington project in Canada setting a tangible timeline for the end of the decade, establishing a European foothold now ensures that GVH will be ready to scale rapidly. Once the first-of-a-kind hurdles are cleared in North America, this Swedish partnership will serve as a blueprint for broader European SMR deployment.
