PwC: Restarting V.C. Summer Would Support 10,000 SC Jobs

Westinghouse Electric Company has released a new independent economic analysis showing that restarting the long-stalled V.C. Summer nuclear expansion in Jenkinsville, South Carolina, would deliver massive economic and workforce benefits for the state and the U.S. economy.

Prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PwC), the report outlines the projected impact of completing the two partially constructed AP1000® advanced modular reactors. According to the findings, the project would reshape South Carolina’s energy and employment landscape for decades.

PwC estimates that the construction phase alone would generate more than $7.3 billion in statewide GDP, supporting 7,300 high-paying construction and skilled trade jobs each year. Once the reactors become operational, the study finds the units would contribute an additional $1.6 billion in annual state GDP, while supporting more than 2,700 long-term jobs over their projected 80-year lifespan.

Local economic advocates say the study confirms what many in the region have long argued — that finishing V.C. Summer is a transformational opportunity.

“The construction of the two nuclear reactors at V.C. Summer marks a major step forward in our region’s economic development,” said Ethel Bunch, Founder of the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition (PNC). “From thousands of high-skilled construction jobs to long-term careers in engineering, operations and maintenance, this project is creating a lasting economic engine that powers local communities with stable careers and sustained growth. As South Carolina emerges as the catalyst for America’s nuclear resurgence, PNC is proud to support Westinghouse as these reactors come to life.”

Westinghouse leaders say the findings further validate the AP1000® reactor’s role in the future of American nuclear development.

“South Carolina is poised to become a national leader in the deployment of advanced new nuclear generation,” said Dan Sumner, Interim CEO of Westinghouse. “This report highlights that the two AP1000 units at V.C. Summer would generate lasting economic benefits for the state, creating thousands of high-paying, highly skilled jobs while supporting the future expansion of South Carolina’s industrial base.”

Additional Key Findings from the PwC Report:

• The two AP1000 units could provide 2,300 MWe of clean nuclear capacity — enough to power 1.5 million South Carolina homes.
• During construction, the project would contribute $13.8 billion to U.S. GDP and support 12,900 jobs nationwide each year.
• Over the reactors’ 80-year lifecycle, the U.S. economy would gain $2.1 billion in annual GDP, with 3,700 long-term U.S. jobs supported annually.

AP1000 Technology Momentum

The AP1000 is currently the only operational Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems and modular construction design. Six AP1000 reactors are already operating worldwide, and their performance is setting industry benchmarks in efficiency and availability. Another 14 AP1000 units are under construction globally, with five more under contract across Europe and Asia. Additional siting evaluations are underway in the U.S., Middle East, and other international markets.

The renewed push to complete V.C. Summer comes as states seek new baseload power sources to meet rising electricity demand, grid reliability challenges, and ambitious carbon reduction goals.

Originally reported by Westinghouse Electric Company in Westing House.