Škoda JS targets Westinghouse supply chain: Czech manufacturer faces key test

US nuclear energy company Westinghouse Electric Company has commissioned Plzeň-based engineering firm Škoda JS to produce test samples of AP1000 reactor internals and a reactor pressure vessel head. The aim is to assess the manufacturing capabilities of the Czech company, which is part of the ČEZ Group. Škoda JS will work on the contract for around two years. If it succeeds in the preparatory phase, it could join Westinghouse’s supply chain and take part in AP1000 projects in Europe and around the world, Škoda JS spokesperson Karel Samec told ČTK.

Škoda JS and the US company began negotiating the contract after the Plzeň engineering firm received ASME certification this spring, one of the most demanding certifications in the nuclear industry. It was the first manufacturing company in Central and Eastern Europe to receive it. According to Škoda JS CEO Karel Bednář, obtaining the certification was a prudent step towards manufacturing primary components for nuclear power plants. “As a result, leading players in our field—and, above all, EPC contractors (turnkey construction contractors)—are now approaching us. They are offering us a place in their international supply chains,” he said.

The AP1000 is an advanced-generation pressurised water reactor developed by Westinghouse. “We have already begun preparatory work on manufacturing components for the AP1000 reactor, specifically its internal components and the vessel head. We expect to complete preparations for the production technologies needed for full-scale manufacturing at our facilities in Plzeň, in line with ASME requirements, within two years,” Samec said.

The Westinghouse contract covers major components of nuclear power plants’ primary circuits, a market ŠKODA JS is targeting. The company also successfully supplies reactor internals for other projects. According to Samec, in preparing to manufacture parts for Westinghouse, the engineering firm must master all the technological processes and procedures required by the customer in accordance with ASME standards.

“Success in the preparatory phase will enable us to supply these components for Westinghouse projects in Europe. At the same time, however, our ambition is to enter the US market as well. Since preparations are already under way there for the construction of ten new units, I believe we could find opportunities there,” said Jan Růžička, head of the sales team for western territories.

In addition to the Westinghouse project, Škoda JS has recently joined the international supply chain of British company Rolls-Royce SMR, also thanks to its ASME certification. This increases its chances of winning potential supply contracts for a new reactor unit at the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Třebíč region, the Plzeň engineering firm’s spokesperson added.

Škoda JS recorded EBITDA of 115 million crowns last year, on revenue of CZK 3.6 billion.