USA, Texas, Victoria: Blue Energy and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy have signed an agreement advancing development of a 2.5 GW gas-plus-nuclear power project planned for Victoria, Texas.
The project is intended to supply a data centre, initially using 1 GW from two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines. Up to 1.5 GW of additional capacity would later be provided by as many as five BWRX-300 small modular reactors.
The latest agreement moves the project into its next phase, covering engineering design, licensing and safety analysis for both the gas turbines and nuclear units. Development remains subject to a final investment decision expected in 2027.
Blue Energy plans to use its modular construction approach, known as the “Blue Way”, combining off-site fabrication, prefabrication, transportation and assembly to improve schedule and cost predictability.
“This agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi keeps Blue Energy confidently moving forward to build our nuclear energy production line,” said Jake Jurewicz, CEO and co-founder of Blue Energy.
Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Power segment, said the project combines the company’s HA gas turbine technology with BWRX-300 SMRs to create an integrated baseload power solution.
The first BWRX-300 is currently under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada, with completion expected by the end of the decade.
Source: World Nuclear News
