Elementl Power has advanced plans for a proposed 1.5GW advanced nuclear plant in southeast Ohio by applying for grid interconnection and selecting GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor.
The developer said June 18 that it submitted a transmission interconnection application to PJM Interconnection in April for the first 600 MW of the project and signed an advance works agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi. PJM is expected to review the application later this year.
The filing is part of PJM’s reformed “first-prepared, first-served” interconnection process, which requires developers to demonstrate project viability before entering the queue, including proof of site control and initial financial commitments. PJM says the changes are intended to reduce speculative projects and speed up the interconnection process.
The proposed facility would occupy nearly 700 acres along the Ohio River in Letart Township, about 100 miles southeast of Columbus. Elementl said it has agreed to buy the property from American Municipal Power and plans to finance the project privately rather than recoup costs through utility rates.
The project remains subject to PJM review, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing, Ohio Energy Siting Board approval and other state and federal agencies, along with a final investment decision before construction begins. If the project goes ahead, 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 are pleased to partner with them to deploy their advanced BWRX-300 reactor at this site,” Elementl President and CEO Chris Colbert said in a statement.
GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said projects like the Ohio development will help strengthen America’s long-term energy security, economic growth and reliable electricity generation.
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Ohio’s proposal adds to a growing portfolio 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 is also advancing plans for a possible deployment at its Clinch River site, and projects using the reactor have been proposed in Poland and Sweden.
American Municipal Power President and CEO Jolene Thompson said the proposed investment would help maintain electric reliability in Ohio and the broader region.
JobsOhio, Southeast Ohio Economic Development, Meigs County officials and Ohio construction trade organizations also expressed support for the project, citing its potential to create construction jobs and generate long-term economic investment if it moves forward.
