US approves construction of first BWRX-300 small modular nuclear reactor in Tennessee
The NRC has authorized the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build a 300 MW capacity BWRX-300 reactor in Tennessee. A separate license will be required for electricity generation.
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The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has authorized the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to construct a 300 MW capacity BWRX-300 small modular reactor at the Clinch River site in Tennessee. With this decision, the TVA has become the first utility company in the US to receive authorization to build this reactor design, which was developed by GE Vernova Hitachi.
The permit is considered a significant milestone for the commercial-scale implementation of small modular reactors in the US. The BWRX-300 has a smaller capacity compared to traditional large nuclear power plants; its 300 MW power output corresponds to approximately one-quarter of the new large reactors located at the Vogtle plant in Georgia.
OPERATING LICENSE IS A SEPARATE PROCESS
The NRC completed its review of the TVA's application in 14 months. It was noted that the process concluded four months ahead of schedule. However, the construction permit does not mean that the facility will immediately begin electricity production. A separate operating license must be obtained for the reactor to load fuel and supply electricity to the grid.
It is reported that the TVA is evaluating the possibility of installing up to four BWRX-300 units at the Clinch River site. The company has not shared a timeline for when construction will begin, and no official statement has yet been made regarding the final cost of the project.
The BWRX-300 design is based on boiling water reactor (BWR) technology, which has long been used in nuclear power plants. One of the primary goals of the design is to offer a more compact structure by simplifying the complex systems found in traditional reactors. Water is used as a coolant in the reactor, and natural circulation is utilized for the movement of water within the system.
The reactor's passive safety features are also highlighted. These systems can utilize physical mechanisms such as gravity, pressure, and stored water without relying solely on electrically powered equipment to ensure safety. This approach is seen as one of the key factors in positioning small modular reactors as a more flexible and scalable option for energy production.