Westinghouse was also in the forefront of developing new Generation-III nuclear reactor technology, designed to make nuclear power even safer than it is now, with its AP1000, the U.S. equivalent to EDF’s European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) design. The company’s bankruptcy also seemed to herald the end of AP1000-technology, with 2 of the 4 planned AP1000 reactors in the U.S. abandoned. They had similar problems to the EPRs being built in Flamanville, France and in Finland: large cost overruns, long delays. But the company was saved from the brink of disaster. At the same time the fortunes of the AP1000 reactor seem to be reversing: in July, the world’s first AP1000 achieved grid connection and power generation at unit 1 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in China. Electric Company is now “starting the next phase in its long history with one key message”, notes WNN: “The nuclear industry, which has always provided safe, clean and reliable energy, needs innovation now more than ever before.” Speaking at the World Nuclear Association Symposium 2018 in London, Westinghouse President and CEO José Gutiérrez described the company’s future strategy. “We’ve streamlined our operations and reduced overhead costs to drive efficiencies and we’ve done that whilst also expanding our base business, which means the company continues to be an industry leader”, Gutiérrez told delegates at the symposium. He added: “And the best way to support the operating fleet and also to build new ones is through innovation.”
Energy Post 25th Sept 2018 read more »