Westinghouse Applauds Brazilian Government’s Nuclear Energy Plans

May 4, 2015 | By Business Wire News

PITTSBURGH

Westinghouse Electric Company said today it welcomes the Brazilian government’s reaffirmation of nuclear energy as a source of reliable, clean electricity to meet the country’s energy needs and enable future economic growth.

“By confirming the planned expansion of its nuclear power program, Brazil is demonstrating its commitment to a balanced energy portfolio,” said Mark Marano, Westinghouse President, Americas. “The construction of new units will add needed baseload generation to the country’s energy mix, building on the strength of its current operating plants.”

Marano’s comments follow the statements made by Eduardo Braga, Minister of Mines and Energy, in updating the National Congress on the country’s strategic energy plans in April. In his remarks, Braga said Brazil will continue to invest in nuclear energy and is evaluating a number of sites for the development of four new units by 2030.

Westinghouse and its majority owner, Toshiba Corporation, have a long history of supporting Brazil’s energy infrastructure. Westinghouse’s involvement in Brazil’s nuclear sector began with construction of the Angra 1 nuclear power plant. The company’s support includes a close working relationship with Eletronuclear on the Angra 1&2 units, and with Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) on engineering, fuel components and related materials.

In addition to products and services for existing plants, Westinghouse offers the next-generation AP1000™ nuclear power plant. The plant is based on an advanced technology with innovative passive safety systems, modular construction techniques and unparalleled licensing pedigree. Eight AP1000 units are currently under construction in the United States and China.

Westinghouse actively supports Brazil’s Science Mobility Program as part of the company’s commitment to develop the next generation of nuclear professionals. Students completed internships with Westinghouse through the program in 2014, and Westinghouse continues to support the program in 2015.

Westinghouse Electric Company, a group company of Toshiba Corporation (TKY:6502), is the world’s pioneering nuclear energy company and is a leading supplier of nuclear plant products and technologies to utilities throughout the world. Westinghouse supplied the world’s first pressurized water reactor in 1957 in Shippingport, Pa., U.S. Today, Westinghouse technology is the basis for approximately one-half of the world’s operating nuclear plants.