SGE UK and Origin Nuclear partner for UK SMR deployment

SGE UK and Origin Nuclear, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture to establish a UK-based nuclear operating company. The partnership aims to support the deployment of 14 GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) across three locations in the United Kingdom.

Origin Nuclear will provide expertise in licensing, commissioning, and operational readiness, as well as managing plant operations and centralized support services for the fleet. The proposed program intends to generate a total capacity of 4.2 GW, which could meet approximately 11% of the UK’s electricity demand—enough to power nearly eight million homes—for at least 60 years.

The first reactor is projected to begin commercial operations in 2034. The project is supported by an international delivery team including GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Samsung C&T, Laing O’Rourke, Aecon, Fermi Development, and Etara. The proposal is currently undergoing review under the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework.