Westinghouse and Fortum Sign Agreement for Possible Deployment of Advanced AP1000 Reactor in the Nordics

Strategic Insights -

Westinghouse Electric Company and Fortum Corporation have signed an Early Works Agreement for the possible deployment of an advanced AP1000 reactor in the Nordics, marking a significant milestone in the region's energy future. The agreement follows a two-year feasibility study conducted by Fortum, which selected the grid-scale AP1000 technology as the preferred option to meet rising customer demand in the region. The EWA will cover early project planning, site evaluation, and focused licensing and permitting activities, including continuation of pre-licensing dialogue and compliance assessments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between Westinghouse and Fortum supports the possible deployment of an advanced AP1000 reactor in the Nordics, a move that will provide clean, reliable baseload power to the region.
  • The AP1000 reactor is the only operating advanced Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design, and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market.
  • There are six AP1000 reactors currently setting operational performance and availability records worldwide, with twelve reactors under construction and six more under contract.
  • By the end of the decade, there will be 18 units based on AP1000 technology in operation globally.
  • The AP1000 technology has been selected for nuclear energy programs in Poland, Bulgaria, and Ukraine and is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Europe, the UK, and North America.
  • Westinghouse has teamed with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company (HDEC) for the EWA, with Young Choi, Executive Vice President of Hyundai E&C New Energy Division, citing the company's 55 years of continuous nuclear construction experience working together with Westinghouse.
  • Elias Gedeon, Senior Vice President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, emphasizes the AP1000 reactor's ability to provide clean energy, bring real economic benefits, and create high-quality jobs, while delivering energy security to the Nordics.

Statistics:

  • Six AP1000 reactors are currently setting operational performance and availability records worldwide.
  • Twelve AP1000 reactors are under construction.
  • Six AP1000 reactors are under contract.
  • There will be 18 units based on AP1000 technology in operation globally by the end of the decade.

Sources:

  • Businesswire: "Westinghouse Electric Company and Fortum Corporation Sign Early Works Agreement for Possible Deployment of Advanced AP1000 Reactor in the Nordics"