Nuclear Components Manufacturing

From reactor vessels and steam generators to pressurizers and heavy reactor supports, Virginia is on the front lines of manufacturing the next generation of American nuclear power plants.  Experts predict that nuclear power in the United States will increase by 20% over the next two decades as a new generation of reactors are built across the country.  The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing applications for 31 new reactors to add to America’s existing fleet of 104 reactors.  One of the new reactors being considered would be located at Dominion’s North Anna Power Station in Louisa County.

Alongside this vast revitalization of America’s nuclear fleet, American nuclear companies are undertaking a massive expansion of our components manufacturing capacity to supply the parts for the new reactors.  One of the largest endeavors is taking place right here in Virginia.  AREVA NP and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding broke ground in July 2009 on a 300,000 square-foot, $363 million nuclear components factory in Newport News.  By the time the project reaches completion, it will have created  500 new jobs in Hampton Roads and “will make Virginia the leader in a revival of America’s nuclear-manufacturing capability,” says Michael Rencheck, AREVA NP’s CEO.

The sprawling facility is expected to be operational in January 2013.  For more information about the AREVA Newport News manufacturing facility, visit www.areva-np.com.