Westinghouse Electric Company has announced that it is developing a specialized option of its AP1000 nuclear power plant for use in locations with higher seismic levels seen in some portions of the western United States and certain other countries.

Westinghouse began the process of obtaining U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) review and approval of the "Specialized Seismic Option" at a June 25 pre-submittal meeting at the agency's headquarters.

"With eight units under construction worldwide and more planned, the AP1000 plant is the leader in advanced nuclear energy technology. In addition, customers in more active seismic environments have expressed a strong interest in incorporating this Westinghouse technology into their energy portfolios," said Jeff Benjamin, Westinghouse senior vice president, Nuclear Power Plants.

Westinghouse and its majority owner Toshiba Corporation are working collaboratively on a limited number of customized materials and/or reinforcements that will allow new units to be built in areas that have a higher seismic spectrum.

This Specialized Seismic Option will provide the same advanced safety features, modular design and simplified systems as the AP1000 plant technology.

Most of the new opportunities that Westinghouse pursues worldwide will continue to use the standard AP1000 plant because it is most appropriate for the great majority of global sites - including the sites where AP1000 units currently are under construction.

The specialized option is unnecessary in such markets. Benjamin said that offering the specialized option in areas with different seismic characteristics will open new markets to the company.

"Development of the Specialized Seismic Option will broaden the AP1000 new-plant market and facilitate the growth of the AP1000 global fleet," Benjamin said.

"It represents a new opportunity to bring the unsurpassed safety, environmental and economic benefits of our technology to more people worldwide."