Samsung C&T Joined European Small Modular Reactor Effort
The firm partnered with GE Vernova and Hitachi to accelerate deployment of the BWRX-300 reactor fleet.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Nuclear
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Samsung C&T signed a memorandum of understanding with GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Synthos Green Energy to develop the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) market in Europe. This partnership aims to leverage combined expertise to scale the deployment of the 300MW-class reactors.
Why it matters
The collaboration seeks to accelerate the commercialization of modular nuclear technology, which is intended to bolster industrial competitiveness and energy security across Europe. It unites specific reactor design capabilities with established engineering and construction services.
The BWRX-300 is a 300MW-class small modular reactor designed for scalability. Plans include a 26-unit decision-in-principle project in Poland and a 14-unit fleet totaling 4.2GW in the United Kingdom.
The players
Samsung C&T
A global engineering and construction firm specializing in complex energy, infrastructure, and high-tech facility projects.
GE Vernova
An energy-focused company that develops gas, wind, and nuclear power technologies, including modular reactor designs.
Hitachi
A multinational conglomerate providing power system technology, electronics, and digital infrastructure for critical energy sectors.
Synthos Green Energy
A Polish energy company focused on low-emission power solutions and the development of modular reactor sites in Central Europe.
The details
The BWRX-300 is a boiling water reactor that utilizes passive safety systems, which rely on natural forces like gravity rather than mechanical pumps to cool the core. GE Vernova and Hitachi, through their joint venture, supply the proprietary nuclear design and technology. Samsung C&T acts as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, applying its industrial infrastructure experience to the site development and build process.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The memorandum of understanding was signed.
The Tech Race
This partnership formalizes the industrial supply chain needed to compete in the burgeoning global market for modular nuclear capacity. It follows the momentum generated at the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy Policy Summit to transition SMR designs from single demonstration units to series production.
This development represents the industrial phase of modular nuclear energy, moving technology toward grid-scale implementation. It changes the operational workflow for large-scale energy planning in Poland and the United Kingdom by providing a path for fleet-wide reactor deployment.
The takeaway
The move signals a shift from individual reactor testing to standardized fleet manufacturing as companies aim to meet European energy goals. Stakeholders should monitor the progress of the first Canadian unit, which serves as the primary benchmark for the feasibility of these subsequent European builds.
Further reading
For more on emerging reactor designs, explore our Nuclear section.
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