Westinghouse Electric Company announced Thursday it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nuclebras Equipamentos Pesados S.A.“ to collaborate on the fabrication of AP1000 nuclear power plant components and equipment in Brazil."
The agreement was signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the company said.
“As part of our commitment to localization, Westinghouse looks forward to working with NUCLEP and other partners to further strengthen the technical capabilities and infrastructures of Brazil’s energy sector,” said Carlos Leipner, Westinghouse vice president for Latin America.
Westinghouse, and its majority owner Toshiba Corporation, have a long history of supporting Brazil’s energy infrastructure, including Westinghouse construction of the Angra 1 nuclear power plant. Today, Westinghouse activities include technical support to Eletronuclear's fleet and a strong partnership with Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) on fuel and manufacturing technologies. Westinghouse also sees opportunities to support the region’s energy needs through the development of the Westinghouse AP1000 plant.
According to the company, the signing of this important MOU further advances Westinghouse’s expanding role in the global nuclear energy market. The construction of AP1000 nuclear power plants in Brazil would create thousands of high-paying jobs in the country, expand the industrial capabilities and support the next generation of nuclear professionals who will deploy safe, clean and economical nuclear energy.
“Brazil already has an established nuclear supplier base and NUCLEP has played a key role in providing quality components and equipment to the nuclear sector in Latin America. Our relationship with Westinghouse is strong and this initiative will strengthen and expand our nuclear manufacturing capabilities,” said Jaime Cardoso, NUCLEP’s President.
Recent statements by the Brazilian government have reinforced its desire to expand nuclear generation in Brazil with several new nuclear projects by 2050.