1.5GW Elementl Power nuclear power plant in Ohio is advancing with PJM filing and a GE Vernova reactor deal. The firm has filed for grid interconnection and selecting GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor. The developer said June 18 it submitted a transmission interconnection request to regional grid operator PJM Interconnection. The connection is for the first 600MW of the project.

It also an Early Works Agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi. PJM is expected to review the application later this year. The filing comes under PJM’s reformed “first-ready, first-served” interconnection process. It is a process that requires developers to demonstrate project viability before entering the queue.

These include proof of site control and also up-front financial commitments. PJM says the changes are intended to reduce speculative projects and speed the interconnection process. The proposed facility would occupy nearly 700 acres along the Ohio River in Letart Township, about 100 miles southeast of Columbus. Another major nuclear project advancing in Utah is the Ward 250 nuclear reactor. The Ward 250 test reactor is a planned advanced nuclear demonstration reactor being developed at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL) in Utah. It is intended to support the testing and demonstration of advanced reactor technologies.

Scope of Implementation on the Elementl Power Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio

The land parcel for the Elementl Power nuclear power plant in Ohio is being purchased from American Municipal Power. There are also plans to privately finance the project rather than recover costs through electric utility rates. The project remains subject to review by PJM, licensing by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board and other state and federal agencies. It also awaits a final investment decision before construction could begin.

If the project proceeds, Elementl said construction of the first unit could begin in 2030, with commercial operation targeted for 2034. “GE Vernova Hitachi is a proven, global leader in nuclear technology, and we’re pleased to partner with them to deploy their advanced BWRX-300 reactor at this site,” Elementl Chairman and CEO Chris Colbert said in a statement. Moreover, GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said projects such as the Ohio development will help strengthen long-term energy security. The Ohio proposal adds to a growing pipeline of projects using the BWRX-300 reactor. The design is under construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada. The Tennessee Valley Authority also is advancing plans for potential deployment at its Clinch River site.

Project Overview

• Capacity: 1.5GW
• Location: Letart Township, Ohio
• Developer: Elementl Power
• Technology: GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR
• Status: Grid interconnection filed

Scope

• Nearly 700-acre project site
• First 600MW submitted to PJM
• Early Works Agreement signed
• Privately financed development
• Land acquisition underway

Project Highlights

• Uses BWRX-300 SMR technology
• Supports long-term energy security
• Follows PJM’s new interconnection process
• Expands U.S. nuclear generation capacity

Key Approvals

• PJM interconnection review pending
• NRC license required
• Ohio Power Siting Board approval needed
• Also final investment decision outstanding

Timeline

• PJM review expected this year
• Construction could begin in 2030
• First unit targeted for 2034
• Also additional phases planned thereafter

Outlook

• Marks a key milestone for the project
• Adds to the growing BWRX-300 pipeline
• Regulatory approvals remain critical
• Could strengthen Ohio’s clean energy supply