SGE, GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung C&T sign MoU to deploy BWRX-300 small modular reactors across Europe and the UK
SGE, GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung C&T reached an agreement on September 22, 2026, through signing a Memorandum of Understanding with respect to working together in the development of BWRX-300 SMRs in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the United Kingdom. The signing ceremony was conducted in New York City as part of the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy Policy Summit in the margin of the United Nations General Assembly.
This memorandum creates the basis for cooperation among the above-mentioned organizations to investigate market opportunities and deploy the 300-MW boiling water reactor, with SGE serving as the regional lead.
Four companies formalize cooperation on European SMR deployment
Senior government officials from the allied partner nations were present for the signing of the agreement. These representatives include the US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and the Japanese METI Vice Minister for International Affairs Masayoshi Arai. From this, it can be seen that this particular agreement is a highly diplomatic one.
It is a platform to deploy our standardized nuclear fleet in multiple markets,
Each of the parties involved plays its own special role in the deal. Based in Warsaw and founded in 2019, SGE is the exclusive regional partner for BWRX-300 development projects across most of Central and Eastern Europe. GE Vernova and Hitachi provide technological and design know-how through their joint venture, and Samsung C&T brings international construction and engineering capabilities to the table.
Agreement linked to broader U.S.-Japan-South Korea government framework
However, this MOU cannot be seen separately. On the margins of this year’s NATO summit, the governments signed a memorandum of Cooperation on the deployment of SMRs in third countries. This memorandum was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.
The U.S. Department of State has specifically mentioned that the MOU of four companies is a clear example of the industry-driven approach aimed at the deployment of BWRX-300 in Europe. This underscores that the memorandum is viewed not merely as a commercial agreement but as an integral part of the allied energy security strategy.
What each partner brings to the collaboration
The BWRX-300 design is provided by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), a joint venture between GE Vernova and Hitachi, which serves as the technology supplier for the project. Hitachi plays a part through its subsidiary, Hitachi GE Vernova Nuclear Energy, which facilitates the nuclear expertise and also helps with cooperation from the Japanese suppliers.
The function of Samsung C&T lies in engineering, procurement, and construction. Samsung C&T has already constructed 12 GW of nuclear power through 10 units, which includes 5.6 GW Barakah Nuclear Power Plant located in the UAE.
SGE makes it all connect on the development end. With current projects underway in Poland and the UK, SGE is uniquely positioned as the exclusive regional leader in the deployment of the BWRX-300 throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe. “It is a platform to deploy our standardized nuclear fleet in multiple markets,” Sołowow said.
Current state of BWRX-300 deployment in Europe
The most developed SGE project is implemented in Poland. Decisions in principle have been adopted for 26 BWRX-300 reactors with ongoing developments at three sites that would accommodate the first 14 reactors. The commissioning of the first unit is scheduled for 2032.
SGE is developing its 4.2 GW project with 14 reactors at three multi-unit sites in the United Kingdom. This project was taken to the Preliminary Regulatory Assessment Deep Dive process by Great British Energy – Nuclear, with the first operational year set as 2034. In addition to the UK and Poland, SGE is developing further projects in Central and Eastern Europe. The BWRX-300 reactor has already reached the construction stage in Canada – giving regulators and decision-makers in Europe a practical reference point.
Background information on the BWRX-300 reactor and expansion of nuclear power in Europe
BWRX-300 is the 300 MW boiling water reactor developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. Designed based on many years of experience working with boiling water reactors, the main principle of the BWRX-300 is to have the reactor design simple and standardized so that it can be easily replicated in many places to minimize risks and costs due to replication.
This concept of being standardized is what makes the rationale behind such a fleet of international reactors so important. Building the same reactor in Poland, the UK, and the rest of Central and Eastern Europe would mean having shared logistics costs, shared workforce experience, and reduced time to figure out how to do it right.
Indeed, more and more countries in Europe see nuclear as a solution to their energy security and decarbonization problems. The memorandum aims to make the BWRX-300 an economically viable option to meet that challenge.
Diplomatic backing from senior officials
The signing date of the MoU is set for September 22, 2026, which will serve as an official framework for collaboration between SGE, GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung C&T, which will facilitate the deployment of BWRX-300 technology within Central and Eastern Europe and the UK. The MoU corresponds to the trilateral government agreement between the USA, Japan, and South Korea.
The most tangible projects of SGE are located in Poland, where 26 reactors have been granted the Decision in Principle, and the UK, where there is an advanced project of building 14 reactors. The BWRX-300 reactor has already started to be built in Canada. All four companies are counting on a new type of fleet of nuclear reactors, which will be highly competitive in Europe.
Kelly is an experienced writer with 15 years of experience exploring the big stories that shape our world, from tech breakthroughs and space exploration to climate, energy, and the fascinating quirks of science. She has a talent for turning complex ideas into sharp, memorable insights that stay with readers long after they’ve finished reading.
