Fermi Energia and Aecon Forge Partnership for Small Modular Reactor Development in Estonia
Fermi Energia has entered into a collaboration agreement with Canadian construction firm Aecon to advance the deployment of GE Vernova Hitachi's BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology in Estonia. This three-year partnership aims to establish a domestic nuclear capability modeled after Canadian practices. Aecon will leverage its experience from the first BWRX-300 project in Canada to support the planning and deployment phases in Estonia, with the goal of delivering safe, reliable, and carbon-free nuclear energy by the mid-2030s.
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Fermi Energia has secured a significant partnership with Canadian construction powerhouse Aecon to drive the development and deployment of the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Estonia. This strategic teaming agreement establishes a collaborative framework, positioning Aecon as the exclusive provider to help develop a qualified domestic nuclear capability, drawing on Canada’s successful experience with similar projects.
Over the next three years, the two companies will work closely to strategize, plan, and evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300. Their cooperation will include pre-construction scheduling, cost planning, and the formation of a skilled reactor building deployment team, which will engage both local and international partners. Aecon’s involvement is particularly noteworthy as it has been tasked with project management and construction for the Canadian deployment of the BWRX-300 at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site, which recently received approval to commence construction.
Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President of Aecon Nuclear, expressed pride in partnering with Fermi Energia during Estonia's energy transition, highlighting that Aecon's experience with Canada's first BWRX-300 positions them uniquely to contribute valuable nuclear expertise and innovative solutions to this project. Kalev Kallemets, CEO of Fermi Energia, underscored the significance of this agreement, noting it provides Estonia with access to advanced SMR construction expertise, a crucial step toward achieving the nation’s goal of reliable and carbon-free nuclear energy.
Founded by Estonian energy and nuclear professionals, Fermi Energia has been exploring the feasibility of SMRs for Estonia’s electricity supply since 2019. The choice of the BWRX-300 design—a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR featuring passive safety systems—signals a commitment to modern nuclear technology.
The company anticipates submitting a construction permit application by 2029, with hopes of commencing construction in 2031, aiming for the first of two SMRs to be operational by the second half of 2035. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Estonia’s nuclear energy journey, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
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