Westinghouse Electric Company has announced the formation of Westinghouse Electric do Brasil Ltda in Rio de Janeiro to better serve its customers and partners, strengthen its ties with regional suppliers, and align itself more appropriately with the growing demands of the energy sector in Brazil and other countries in the region.

"We look forward to working with our partners and customers to put our new plant, fuel, automation and service technologies to work powering the region's homes and businesses," said Mark Marano, Westinghouse president, Americas.

"Westinghouse is committed to benefitting the local economy, forging partnerships with universities and making a positive impact in the local communities."

Westinghouse has been a long-time partner in Brazil's nuclear energy program, together with its majority owner Toshiba, through work with Industrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) on fuel and manufacturing technologies, and service work with Eletronuclear's Angra fleet for the past 15 years.

Westinghouse also sees opportunities to support the region's energy needs through the development of new Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear plant projects. Currently eight AP1000 units are under construction in the United States and China.

"Brazil is in an excellent position to diversify and strengthen its energy portfolio with the reliable, clean, baseload generation that nuclear energy offers," said Jeff Benjamin, Westinghouse senior vice president, Nuclear Power Plants.

"The Westinghouse AP1000 plant's proven passive safety features, strong licensing pedigree and modular construction provide superior delivery certainty - a key factor for countries looking to establish or expand their nuclear energy infrastructure."

Carlos Leipner, vice president, Latin America, will lead the Westinghouse Electric do Brasil Ltda office.