The US-based Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) has announced ambitious plans to deploy 18 AP1000 nuclear power plants across India by 2047. Each reactor will have a capacity of 1,000 MW, significantly contributing to India's energy landscape.
Current Discussions and "Make in India" Initiative
Westinghouse is actively engaged in discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for the initial deployment of six nuclear power plants at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh. Land acquisition and identification for employee townships are already underway for this project. Alok Mishra, Country Director for Westinghouse (Nuclear) India, stated that the company sees this as approximately 20% of the total opportunity in India, suggesting further sites and projects are being explored, including with private players.
A key component of Westinghouse's strategy involves the "Make in India" initiative. The company is exploring technology transfer to facilitate domestic manufacturing, leveraging India's established nuclear industry and existing manufacturing ecosystem. This approach aims to expand localization and potentially integrate Indian suppliers into Westinghouse's global supply chain. Mishra highlighted that the AP1000's design, requiring fewer components, equipment, steel, and concrete compared to competing technologies, will enhance cost competitiveness within India.
Advanced AP1000 Reactor Technology
The AP1000 reactor features an innovative passive safety system designed to offer significant capital savings and lower maintenance costs. This advanced technology ensures enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
Globally, the AP1000 reactors have a proven track record. Two units are operational in the United States, and four in China, with additional projects in the pipeline across Europe. The first AP1000 units began commercial operation in China (Sanmen and Haiyang) in 2018-2019, setting performance records. More recently, Vogtle units 3 and 4 in Georgia, US, became operational in 2023-2024, marking the first new commercial nuclear reactors in the US in three decades.