Westinghouse Suppliers Promote Benefits of Building U.S. AP1000 Fleet to Congress
More than 40 supply chain partners of Westinghouse Electric Company recently gathered in Washington, D.C. to meet with members of the United States Congress, highlighting the economic, industrial and energy security benefits of deploying a fleet of AP1000 nuclear power plants across the United States. The meetings emphasized how expanding the nation’s nuclear capacity could strengthen domestic manufacturing, create high-skilled jobs, and help meet the growing electricity demand driven by emerging industries.
The AP1000 reactor is currently the only advanced, grid-scale nuclear reactor design that is commercially available and operating at scale. Westinghouse and its supply chain partners used their time in Washington to underline how building multiple AP1000 units could accelerate the United States’ ability to deploy large-scale nuclear power plants quickly while supporting a wide network of American companies involved in manufacturing, engineering, construction, and energy infrastructure.
Engaging Congress on Nuclear Energy Expansion
During their visit, Westinghouse representatives and supplier executives participated in more than 100 meetings with congressional delegations. These discussions focused on demonstrating how a national program to construct a fleet of AP1000 reactors could deliver significant economic benefits across multiple states.
Each supplier described the role their company would play in producing components, materials, and services needed to build nuclear power plants. From steel fabrication and advanced valves to specialized control systems and heavy lifting equipment, the companies involved represent a diverse supply chain capable of supporting nuclear construction projects at scale.
The companies also stressed that nuclear energy projects deliver long-term economic benefits in the communities where plants are built. Large nuclear facilities require thousands of workers during construction and hundreds of highly skilled employees for decades of plant operation. Many of these jobs involve advanced engineering, manufacturing, and technical expertise, helping to strengthen the U.S. industrial workforce.
According to Westinghouse, deploying a fleet of AP1000 reactors could support tens of thousands of American jobs across manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and energy infrastructure projects nationwide. The initiative could also generate substantial economic output through increased industrial activity and investment.
Ready-to-Build Nuclear Technology
Westinghouse executives emphasized that the AP1000 design is fully licensed and ready for construction in the United States. Unlike many emerging reactor concepts still in development, the AP1000 has already been built and operated successfully, demonstrating its technical reliability and operational performance.
The company highlighted the fact that two AP1000 reactors currently operating at Plant Vogtle in Georgia have achieved significant operational milestones and are setting new industry benchmarks for performance and reliability. These units represent the first new nuclear reactors built in the United States in decades and serve as proof that large-scale nuclear construction projects can once again be delivered domestically.
Dan Sumner, interim chief executive officer of Westinghouse, explained that the company’s existing supply chain network and proven reactor technology allow the industry to begin construction on additional units almost immediately.
“Work to deliver an AP1000 reactor can begin immediately, answering the Administration’s call for new gigawatt-scale nuclear while creating high-paying, highly skilled jobs across the country,” Sumner said. “Westinghouse and our experienced supply chain are prepared to start nuclear construction at scale in the United States, supporting tens of thousands of American jobs and delivering more than $92 billion in GDP.”
He also expressed appreciation for ongoing congressional support for policies that encourage nuclear development and strengthen domestic energy infrastructure.
Supporting America’s Growing Power Demand
The discussions with lawmakers also addressed the rapidly increasing demand for electricity across the United States. Emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and electrified transportation systems are expected to place significant pressure on the nation’s power grid in the coming decades.
Westinghouse suppliers explained that advanced nuclear reactors like the AP1000 could play a key role in meeting this demand while maintaining reliable, carbon-free electricity generation. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power plants operate continuously, providing steady baseload power for industries and communities.
Energy-intensive industries in particular require reliable electricity supply to maintain productivity and competitiveness. Companies operating data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and other high-tech operations depend on stable power systems that can support constant energy consumption.
By deploying additional AP1000 units, the United States could significantly increase its nuclear generation capacity while strengthening grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Advanced Safety and Modular Construction
The AP1000 reactor incorporates a range of advanced safety features that distinguish it from earlier generations of nuclear technology. As a Generation III+ reactor, it includes fully passive safety systems designed to operate without external power or operator intervention in the event of an emergency.
These passive systems rely on natural forces such as gravity, natural circulation, and compressed gases to maintain safe reactor conditions. This approach reduces the complexity of safety systems and enhances overall plant resilience.
Another important feature of the AP1000 design is its modular construction approach. Major components can be manufactured in factories and then transported to the construction site for installation. This method reduces construction time, improves quality control, and lowers overall project costs.
Additionally, the reactor design offers one of the smallest footprints per megawatt of electricity produced, allowing plants to generate large amounts of power while minimizing land use.
Growing Global Deployment
The AP1000 reactor is gaining momentum internationally as countries seek reliable and low-carbon energy sources. Currently, six AP1000 reactors are operating worldwide and are achieving strong operational performance and availability levels.
Beyond these operating units, 14 additional AP1000 reactors are under construction, while five more units have already been contracted for future development. These projects demonstrate increasing global confidence in the technology.
Several countries have selected AP1000 technology as part of their national nuclear expansion strategies. Governments in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria have chosen the reactor design for upcoming nuclear power projects aimed at strengthening energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
The technology is also being evaluated for potential deployment at additional sites across Europe, the Middle East and North America, reflecting the growing demand for advanced nuclear energy solutions.
Strong U.S. Supply Chain Participation
A key message delivered during the congressional meetings was that a large portion of the AP1000 supply chain is based in the United States. Dozens of American companies are capable of producing the specialized components required for nuclear plant construction and operation.
Among the suppliers participating in the Washington visit were major industrial companies and specialized engineering firms including ArcelorMittal, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Emerson, Flowserve Corporation, Eaton, Siemens Energy, Holtec and Xylem.
These companies represent a wide range of expertise, including heavy industrial manufacturing, power systems engineering, advanced instrumentation, transportation logistics, and nuclear component fabrication. Their participation underscores the extensive industrial network required to support large-scale nuclear energy projects.
Other participating companies included Barnhart Crane & Rigging, Celeros Flow Technology, Crane Nuclear, Custom Materials Inc., DuBose National Energy Services, Equipment & Controls Inc., Endicott Coil Company, Energy and Process Corporation, Everson Tesla, Glenair, Greenberry Industrial, Global Transportation Systems, HII, Hoosier Spring Company, IMI Process Automation, Innomotics, Judd Wire, Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, KIMCHUK Inc., Mammoet, Milton CAT, Mirion Technologies, PAR Systems, Paragon Energy Systems, PGT Trucking, Tioga Pipe, Transco Products, Trillium Flow Technologies, Turner Industries Group, TW Metals and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company.
Together, these firms demonstrate the scale of the industrial ecosystem supporting the AP1000 program. Many of them already supply equipment and services for nuclear projects around the world.
A Path Forward for U.S. Nuclear Expansion
The visit to Washington reflects growing momentum within the U.S. nuclear industry to accelerate reactor construction in order to strengthen energy security and maintain technological leadership. Supporters argue that building a fleet of standardized AP1000 reactors could help streamline project development and reduce costs through economies of scale.
For policymakers, the discussions also highlighted the broader economic and strategic advantages of rebuilding the domestic nuclear supply chain. By investing in nuclear infrastructure, the United States could reinforce its manufacturing base, create high-quality jobs, and ensure reliable energy supply for future generations.
As demand for electricity continues to grow, the collaboration between Westinghouse and its extensive supplier network illustrates how the nuclear industry is preparing to meet the country’s evolving energy needs while delivering economic benefits nationwide.
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