Westinghouse and Eclipse Automation Join Forces to Advance Nuclear New-Build Projects in Canada and Worldwide
Westinghouse Electric Company has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Eclipse Automation, a leading provider of advanced automation solutions and a division of Accenture, to accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear new-build projects across Canada and globally. This agreement reinforces both companies’ commitment to supporting the next generation of nuclear energy technologies as countries increasingly pursue clean, reliable, and sustainable power solutions to meet growing energy demands and climate goals.
Driving Nuclear Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration
The newly signed MoU outlines how Eclipse Automation will contribute cutting-edge automation and tooling solutions to Westinghouse’s AP1000® and AP300™ reactor projects. These contributions will play a critical role not only in new-build deployments but also in the refurbishment of existing nuclear facilities. By combining Westinghouse’s deep expertise in nuclear technology with Eclipse’s advanced automation capabilities, the partnership aims to optimize project delivery timelines, enhance safety protocols, and reduce costs through smart manufacturing and process improvements.
According to Steve Mai, CEO of Eclipse Automation and Managing Director at Accenture Industry X, the collaboration represents a meaningful step forward for the clean energy transition. “This milestone marks another step toward a future powered by clean and reliable energy, as nuclear innovation continues to develop a number of safe and sustainable energy solutions,” he stated.
Mai further highlighted how growing investment in nuclear energy offers long-term career opportunities for skilled professionals and underlines Eclipse Automation’s established reputation in the nuclear sector. “At Eclipse Automation, our legacy of excellence across the nuclear lifecycle — including contributions to some of the industry’s most prominent projects — reflects our commitment to this future. By harnessing deep expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and digital innovation, we are excited to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions that will power the next generation of nuclear reactors that are needed in Canada and across the globe.”
Enabling Growth for Canada’s Clean Energy and Economic Sectors
John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada, emphasized the importance of local partnerships in helping Westinghouse deliver safe, efficient, and economically impactful projects. “As Westinghouse works to deliver AP1000 and AP300 projects around the world, the advanced automation solutions provided by Eclipse Automation can help us streamline manufacturing and make operations more efficient and safer,” Gorman said.
In addition to environmental benefits, Gorman noted that the collaboration stands to significantly bolster Canada’s economy. “These projects also will benefit the Canadian economy by providing local jobs and boosting economic growth,” he added.
Indeed, the economic potential of these projects is substantial. Westinghouse estimates that for every AP1000 unit constructed outside of Canada, it can generate nearly $1 billion CAD in gross domestic product (GDP) for the Canadian economy through the involvement of local suppliers. These figures highlight the value of leveraging domestic expertise and infrastructure to supply components, technology, and services for international projects.
A Growing Footprint for Canadian Nuclear Supply Chain
This agreement builds on a growing portfolio of Westinghouse’s partnerships with Canadian firms, signaling strong momentum in the nuclear industry. As global demand for carbon-free baseload energy rises, Canada is increasingly positioned to serve as a critical player in the global nuclear supply chain.
The Canadian government has already expressed strong support for nuclear power as a key pillar of its long-term net-zero energy strategy. Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor, a Generation III+ design, is one of the most advanced and fully operational nuclear reactor technologies available today. With deployments and planned installations across several countries, the AP1000 reactor offers a proven solution that combines safety, modularity, and scalability.
Westinghouse’s AP300 small modular reactor (SMR) — an adaptation of the AP1000 design — is also gaining traction as an ideal option for smaller grid applications or remote communities that require clean, resilient power generation.
Westinghouse’s Canadian Ownership and Market Leadership
Owned by Canadian energy giants Brookfield and Cameco, Westinghouse is the only nuclear technology vendor with a Generation III+ reactor that is fully operational and ready for large-scale deployment in Canada. The company is targeting its first deployment in the country as early as 2035, a timeline that aligns with Canada’s national decarbonization objectives.
According to Westinghouse estimates, building a four-unit AP1000 facility in Canada could power more than three million homes. Beyond its environmental contributions, such a project would generate massive economic benefits — supporting $28.7 billion CAD in GDP during construction and $8.1 billion CAD in annual GDP through ongoing operations.
The employment implications are equally notable. The four-unit facility is projected to create around 12,000 high-quality, full-time jobs across engineering, construction, operations, and support services. This level of job creation offers a significant boost to regional economies and reinforces the role of nuclear power as not only an energy solution but also a driver of long-term workforce development.
Fueling Global Impact with Canadian Expertise
Beyond domestic projects, the collaboration with Eclipse Automation aligns with Westinghouse’s broader strategy to integrate Canadian firms into its global supply chain. With over 30 AP1000 reactors in various stages of planning or construction worldwide, Canadian suppliers — including automation experts like Eclipse — have the opportunity to export their innovations and skills to high-profile international projects.
This approach offers mutual benefits: Westinghouse enhances the competitiveness and scalability of its nuclear solutions, while Canadian companies expand their global reach and play an active role in decarbonizing the planet. The use of local firms for tooling, digitalization, and manufacturing also helps build a stronger, more resilient ecosystem capable of supporting ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and new technologies over the decades-long lifecycle of nuclear plants.
A Critical Moment for the Future of Energy
This agreement between Westinghouse and Eclipse Automation comes at a time of renewed global interest in nuclear power. As governments around the world seek secure, zero-emission power sources that complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a vital solution for achieving climate targets without sacrificing reliability.
Canada, with its deep nuclear history and robust engineering talent base, is well positioned to lead this new era. The partnership between Westinghouse and Eclipse Automation represents a tangible step toward that vision, signaling both confidence in Canadian expertise and commitment to shaping the future of nuclear energy.
