TVA selects Bechtel, Sargent & Lundy, and GE Hitachi as SMR partners

TVA is planning to use an integrated project delivery approach to plan, design, and potentially procure, construct, and commission Clinch River Unit 1. The model is significantly different from traditional nuclear project delivery, but it’s a best practice from the construction industry and is intended to align all parties, TVA said in a January 23 news release.

“The integrated project delivery model is the preferred method that will make our project a true team effort,” said Bob Deacy, senior vice president for TVA’s Clinch River project. “We will actively work together toward a target budget and schedule—creating a significant advantage to drive nuclear innovation, share risks, and reduce costs.”

DOE grant: Also last week, TVA announced it will be leading an application for $800 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor program with a strong coalition of partners, including Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and Sargent & Lundy.

“We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nation’s drive toward greater energy security,”said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and chief executive. “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.”

If awarded, Lyash said the funding will accelerate construction of an SMR at the Clinch River site by two years, with commercial operation starting as soon as 2033. He also noted that the partnership ensures that the funding paves the way for broad deployment of SMRs beyond Clinch River by helping establish a domestic supply chain, sharing lessons learned and best practices to offset costs and reduce risk.

“As the operator of the largest regulated nuclear fleet in the U.S., we are pleased to join this important initiative to advance new nuclear technologies with the DOE and key industry peers,” said Harry Sideris, president of Duke Energy. “Small modular reactor technologies can play a vital role in our long-term energy transition strategy, and public-private partnerships can help accelerate their introduction by ensuring industry learnings and best practices are leveraged to deliver the best value for our customers and communities.”

Scott Strazik, chief executive of GE Hitachi parent company GE Vernova, said, “Nuclear power has a key role to play in reaching a cleaner and more secure energy future. Funding from this grant would play a critical role in the path forward . . . to accelerate the roll-out of small modular reactors in the United States.”

Background: TVA has held an early site permit for the Clinch River SMR project since 2019, and the company announced in 2022 that it would pursue deployment of GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small light water reactor.

Then-energy secretary Jennifer Granholm visited Clinch River in 2023 to lend support for TVA’s advanced nuclear technology plans for the site. During her visit, she said, “TVA is leading on small modular reactors with this site. Everyone is looking to TVA to make sure that this can actually happen.”

Current collaboration: Bechtel and TVA have worked together on other nuclear projects over the years, most recently in completing construction of Watts Bar Unit 2 in 2016.

“Bechtel is honored to be selected by TVA for this important work and is proud to be at the forefront of new nuclear power generation,” said Ahmet Tokpinar, general manager of Bechtel’s Nuclear Power business unit. “We are committed to leveraging our extensive experience and expertise, utilizing new tools and innovations, to construct this project.”

TVA is also working with GE Hitachi, Ontario Power Generation, and Synthos Green Energy through a technology collaboration agreement that will develop the standard design for the BWRX-300. As TVA continues to prepare for a potential SMR at the Clinch River site, Sargent & Lundy will lead the detailed design for the site-specific implementation of the BWRX-300.

The integrated project delivery team approach is ideal for developing the potential for multiple innovative SMRs. TVA may consider constructing one or more SMR units. The team will also provide preliminary plans with estimated cost reduction forecast as it relates to constructing multiple SMRs to identify innovations and to provide a progression of cost reduction for additional reactors.

“TVA is building a highly skilled and experienced project team to lead the way for the deployment of the BWRX-300 at Clinch River,” said Sean Sexstone, executive vice president for advanced nuclear at GE Hitachi. “Together, we bring decades of expertise in the nuclear industry and major projects, and we are excited to collaborate in supporting TVA’s mission to meet the increasing demand for reliable and secure energy.”