Westinghouse Electric Company has published an important report outlining how the AP1000 nuclear reactor could deliver in excess of £30 billion of value to the UK's economy via their unique and mutually beneficial 'Buy Where We Build' strategy for supply chain engagement.

Westinghouse is the first of the reactor vendors interested in the UK market to quantify the value that could be created in the UK supply chain by building and operating a fleet of AP1000s.

The report, entitled 'Maximising Opportunities for the UK Supply Chain', has been launched at an event attended by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, and has been independently reviewed and verified by the GMB, Prospect and Unite Trades Unions.

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David Powell, Westinghouse UK Regional Vice President said: "A fleet of AP1000s built and operated in the UK, using local resources and skills is hugely positive and represents massive opportunities for local communities over many years.

"Westinghouse is unique because we do not have our own in-house supply chain organisation. This means that, through our 'Buy Where We Build' strategy we can make maximum use of the local supply chain and that creates opportunity for everyone. Only two weeks ago we signed three groundbreaking UK nuclear supply chain agreements with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Doosan Babcock to collaborate on work associated with bringing the AP1000 nuclear power plant to the UK."

Dougie Rooney, National Officer of Unite added: "The AP1000 nuclear reactor could secure thousands of jobs and Westinghouse's strategy is leading the campaign to develop the UK supply chain into a global player.

"The opportunity to create up to 10,000 highly skilled jobs, reduce the UK's dependency on energy sources from overseas and the reduction of CO2 emissions all form a compelling case to support nuclear energy."

(CD/JM)