One nuclear platform, two reactors: AP1000 technology now extends to AP300 SMR

Westinghouse is betting on a single reactor platform to serve both today’s large nuclear power plants and the next generation of small modular reactors. The company has now expanded its partnership with engineering firm Amentum, bringing in additional engineering support to help scale AP1000 reactor deployments while advancing the AP300 small modular reactor through the US regulatory process. The agreements center on Westinghouse’s APX technology platform, which uses a common engineering foundation for both reactors. By building the smaller AP300 around technology already proven in the AP1000, the company hopes to streamline development, simplify future deployments and reduce the complexity of bringing new reactors to market. One platform, two reactors Unlike many SMR developers pursuing entirely new reactor designs, Westinghouse has based the AP300 on the same core technology used in its AP1000 reactor. The shared platform extends across engineering, major components, fuel design, licensing strategies and parts of the supply chain. That common approach could make it easier to deploy both reactor types without creating separate industrial ecosystems. Utilities could also benefit from technology that builds on an existing commercial reactor instead of an entirely new design. One of the newly signed agreements focuses on securing approval for the AP300 from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Amentum will support the engineering work required during the licensing process, an important step before the reactor can enter the commercial market. Dan Sumner, Westinghouse president and chief executive officer, said the company continues to invest in the APX platform as the foundation for its future reactor portfolio. “We continue to make investments to strengthen our proven APX platform,” Sumner said. He added that Amentum’s involvement is expected to accelerate NRC licensing for the AP300 while strengthening engineering support for larger reactor projects. Scaling proven nuclear designs The partnership also extends to Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor, which the company is positioning for repeat deployments in markets planning new nuclear capacity. Amentum will contribute engineering resources and technical expertise to strengthen project execution for gigawatt-scale reactors. Westinghouse expects that additional capacity will support more consistent delivery as countries pursue larger reactor fleets. The AP1000 already operates commercially, giving the company an established technology base. The AP300 applies many of the same design principles to customers seeking lower generating capacity without moving to an entirely different reactor architecture. Meeting future electricity demand Reliable, around-the-clock electricity has become a growing priority as power demand rises from data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure and industrial expansion. Nuclear developers increasingly see both conventional reactors and SMRs as potential options for meeting those long-term energy needs. John Heller, Amentum’s chief executive officer, said the company supports nuclear projects across the entire project lifecycle and expects demand for firm baseload power to continue growing. “There is an expanding global market for firm baseload power,” Heller said. He added that the collaboration with Westinghouse will help address electricity demand from AI and other energy-intensive industries. The companies have worked together on nuclear projects for years, including power generation and decommissioning programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania and South Africa. The expanded collaboration deepens that relationship as Westinghouse advances both its large reactor business and its smaller AP300 design through the next stage of development. Recommended ArticlesAamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.