Vattenfall to choose between GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce for SMR nuclear reactors.

Vattenfall, a Swedish utility, has narrowed its choice of suppliers for small modular nuclear reactors to GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce. The utility plans to build five BWRX-300 reactors from GE or a similar number of reactors from Rolls-Royce. The project aims to provide a low-carbon energy source for the Nordic region.

Vattenfall, a Swedish utility, has narrowed its choice of suppliers for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce. The utility plans to build either five BWRX-300 reactors from GE or a similar number of reactors from Rolls-Royce. The project aims to provide a low-carbon energy source for the Nordic region, as Sweden seeks to meet its expanding energy needs and net zero ambitions.

Vattenfall's decision follows a thorough evaluation process and comes after the utility announced it was considering five BWRX-300 reactors from GE Vernova or three Rolls-Royce SMRs to be built at its existing Ringhals plant in southwest Sweden [2]. The project aims to provide a total output of around 1,500 megawatts and could be expanded to replace decommissioned reactors at the site [2].

The BWRX-300, developed by GE Vernova, is the only small modular reactor under construction in the Western world. Construction of the first unit is underway at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington site near Toronto, with a total of four units planned for the site [1]. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted and is reviewing Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) application to construct the first BWRX-300 in the U.S., at the utility’s Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee [1].

GE Vernova’s shares rose 2.1% to $617.31 following the announcement, with the stock up 86.4% year-to-date [3]. The company’s CEO, Maví Zingoni, stated that the BWRX-300 is strongly positioned to help Sweden meet its expanding energy needs and net zero ambitions.

The project is part of Sweden’s broader initiative to finance a new generation of reactors, the first built in the country for more than 40 years. The government believes the solution to energy security and achieving net zero emissions by 2045 lies in nuclear power. However, critics argue that nuclear power will be too expensive and too slow to build [2].

Vattenfall’s decision to down-select GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce highlights the growing interest in small modular reactors as a viable solution for meeting future energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. The project is expected to provide a significant boost to both companies involved.

References:
[1] https://www.gevernova.com/news/press-releases/bwrx-300-nuclear-small-modular-reactor-down-selected-vattenfall-sweden
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4488185-swedens-vattenfall-to-choose-ge-vernova-or-rolls-royce-to-build-smr-nuclear-reactors
[3] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3UD0ZU:0-ge-vernova-up-after-swedish-utility-shortlists-co-for-supply-of-modular-reactors/