Estonian nuclear developer Fermi Energia and Canadian construction company Aecon have signed a cooperation agreement to promote the deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Estonia.
CEO of Fermi Energia Kalev Kallemets said that the contract will give Estonia access to the world's most advanced SMR construction know-how: "This is an important step in bringing safe, reliable and carbon-free modern small reactor technology to Estonia, while staying on schedule and on budget."
Aeconil is the prime contractor for the construction of the first BWRX-300 small reactor in the G7 countries in Canada, and is also the main manufacturer of the steel modules for the reactor building, allowing for increased construction speed, robotisation and lower costs. The company is developing advanced manufacturing and automation solutions for both the reactor building's main structure and the entire construction process. Aecon Nuclear Vice President Aaron Johnson stressed: "Aecon's experience in building the BWRX-300 in Canada puts us in a unique position to bring our strong nuclear expertise and best practices to Estonia."
The cooperation agreement provides a framework for Fermi Energia and Aecon to work together in the development phase of the Estonian SMR programme. During the three-year term of the agreement, the parties will jointly plan the steps to implement BWRX-300 in Estonia, including the preparation schedule and cost planning for the construction of the reactor building (RBR) and the establishment of a competent RBR construction team in cooperation with Estonian partners.
Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is a North American construction and infrastructure company active in the civil engineering, urban transportation, nuclear, utilities and industrial sectors.
Fermi Energia AS is an Estonian nuclear energy company preparing to build a new generation of small reactor nuclear power plants in Estonia to provide reliable, carbon-free and affordable electricity for Estonia and the Baltic region.