The AP1000 reactor has a globally proven track record, with a growing fleet delivering safe, reliable power and record-setting performance
As the only Generation III+ reactor with passive safety systems in commercial service, it is operating in multiple countries and selected for new programs across Europe, Asia, and North America.
*Lifetime performance data as of 2024 is from
IAEA PRIS (Power Reactor Information System)>93% compared to global reactor fleet averages of 82.9%
Reduced from 10 months to 5 months or less (including 1 month at full power)
Set industry records:
First cycle — 28 days
Second cycle — 19 days
Ramp rates of 1 MW/second
Performance Data Source
Performance data source: IAEA PRIS databaseThe reactor is designed to achieve and maintain safe shutdown conditions without operator action, and without the need for AC power or pumps.
The AP1000® plant minimizes the five major risks to new nuclear construction with a proven design, operating experience and planned fleet-scale deployment – focusing on Standardization, Sequencing and Simplification.
| Risks | Standardize | Sequence | Simplify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactor Design | Deploys a proven, operating reactor design based on existing technology | Deploys the same design repeatedly as a fleet | Limits design changes between units to avoid re-engineering (Vogtle 4 as reference design) |
| Fuel Cycle | Utilizes an established oxide fuel cycle and qualified suppliers | Aligns long-term fuel supply to match deployment timing | Avoids new fuel designs, unproven processes, or new fuel cycle infrastructure |
| Regulatory | Applies a common licensing basis using prior approvals and reviews | Licensed and constructed in phases, incorporating early regulatory feedback | Applies lessons across jurisdictions, maintain clear safety and design claims |
| Permitting & Stakeholder Support | Delivers consistent fact-based messaging underpinned by operating experience | Preserves learnings from previous builds, engaging with communities proactively, building trust project-to-project | Uses clear, accessible explanations of technology and risk based on evidence from existing builds and experience |
| Construction Risk | Repeatable modular construction methods, work packages, layouts to minimize large project risk | Stagger construction to retain skilled labour, key suppliers and learning curves | Capture and transfer learnings from suppliers, trade unions and EPC contractors |
Reviewed by multiple regulators around the world, the AP1000 reactor is the only Generation III+ reactor that has received a design certification and a construction and operating license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The AP1000 plant design also has been independently assessed and confirmed to meet the requirements of the European Utilities Requirements document and the Electric Power Research Institute Advanced Light Water Reactor Utility Requirements Document.
Design review by China's National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) is complete.
Design has passed Phase 2 of the CNSC three-stage review process. "Based on the Phase 2 review, CNSC staff conclude that there are no fundamental barriers to licensing the AP1000 design in Canada."
AP1000 construction schedule is simple with known major milestones (Long Lead Item Orders, Early Works Construction, etc.)
Lower construction risk with the AP1000 improves financing outcomes and protects ratepayers
An investment today in the proven, construction-ready AP1000 would be focused on swift, measurable project build progress, with immediate downstream benefits. Assuming a four-unit AP1000 project is initiated in Ontario, immediate incremental manufacturing and supply chain jobs is expected to inject about $5 billion into the Canadian economy.
Construction on the first unit would see about 80% of that investment retained in Ontario, growing to about 90% by the fourth unit.
As other nations continue quickly expanding their nuclear fleet capacity with the world’s only deployment-ready, modern AP1000 reactors, we anticipate growing export opportunities for Canada’s experienced, reliable nuclear supply chain.
$28.7 Billion
increase in GDP
(3.2% of Ontario's GDP)
125,000
person-years of full time jobs
$15.7 Billion
of salaries
(Average: $124,600)
$7.1 Billion
in tax revenue
(Enough for 5 new major hospitals)
$8.1 Billion
to GDP every year
(A permanent 1% increase in Ontario's GDP)
12,000
long-term jobs
$1.7 Billion
of salaries per year
(Average: $144,903)
$2 Billion
in tax revenue per year
(Funds 2 major hospitals annually)
Based on PwC analysis: The Economic Impact of a Westinghouse AP1000 Reactor Project in Canada
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