In September 2025, Westinghouse signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six UK-based firms to integrate them into the global supply chain for its AP1000 large-scale reactors and AP300 small modular reactors (SMRs). This expansion represents not only a milestone for UK nuclear development but also a strategic boost to domestic manufacturing, research capabilities, and long-term energy security.

(Image: Westinghouse)

Strategic Value of Supply Chain Expansion

The selected partners include William Cook Cast Products (large castings), Trillium Flow Technology (valves and pumps), Curtiss-Wright Controls (UK) (actuation systems), Boccard UK (modular construction and engineering integration), Bendalls Engineering (pressure vessels), and Sheffield Forgemasters (ultra-large forgings). Together, these firms cover critical aspects of reactor construction and modular engineering, signaling a shift in the UK’s role from an “importer of nuclear projects” to an “industrial base for nuclear manufacturing.”

Technology and Project Background

The AP1000 is the world’s first Gen III+ pressurized water reactor certified by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It is already operating in China and the US, with proven passive safety systems and modular construction methods.

The AP300 SMR builds directly on the AP1000 platform, offering a 300 MWe modular unit with reduced construction time, more predictable capital costs, and scalable deployment options. Design certification is targeted by 2027, positioning the AP300 as a competitive solution for distributed clean power and industrial decarbonization in the UK.

Alignment with UK Nuclear Strategy

The UK government has set an ambitious goal of delivering 24 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050, combining large-scale reactors with SMRs. Through Great British Nuclear (GBN), the country aims to establish a localized supply chain that supports design, construction, and operations.

Westinghouse’s localization effort fits seamlessly with this strategy. It enhances resilience against geopolitical supply chain disruptions, reduces logistics costs, and fosters high-value jobs and advanced research capacity across the UK’s manufacturing base.

Global Market Outlook

As nuclear power re-emerges globally, the UK is not only a host market for AP1000 and AP300 but could also evolve into a regional manufacturing and export hub for Europe and beyond. Sheffield Forgemasters, for instance, possesses one of the few global capabilities to produce ultra-large forgings essential for nuclear pressure vessels, potentially positioning the UK as a critical supplier within Westinghouse’s worldwide ecosystem.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, significant hurdles remain. The transition from MoUs to binding contracts requires compliance with stringent nuclear quality standards and validation of industrial capacity. Moreover, the licensing timeline for the AP300 SMR remains subject to regulatory uncertainties. Sustained investment confidence will also depend on how the UK structures its nuclear financing frameworks and power market incentives.

The integration of six UK suppliers into Westinghouse’s nuclear supply chain is more than an industrial partnership — it represents a cornerstone in the UK’s nuclear revival strategy. By embedding British firms into the deployment of AP1000 and AP300 technologies, the initiative strengthens domestic manufacturing, supports clean energy targets, and positions the UK as a strategic hub within the global nuclear industry.