Westinghouse Electric has secured a $180m contract from ITER for the assembly of a nuclear fusion reactor’s vacuum vessel in Sanit-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
The collaboration is expected to propel the use of fusion as a viable future source of carbon-free energy.
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The vacuum vessel, deemed ITER’s most critical component, is a double-walled steel container that will encase the high-energy plasma necessary for nuclear fusion. Westinghouse’s task involves completing and welding together nine sectors of this hermetically sealed structure into one circular chamber, known as a torus.
Westinghouse Interim CEO Dan Sumner stated: “Westinghouse has always been at the forefront of energy innovation, and we are proud to work with ITER on this breakthrough initiative that could ensure energy security for generations to come.
“Our expert teams look forward to bringing our world-class capabilities and expertise to the completion of this important project.”
Having worked alongside ITER for more than ten years, Westinghouse has been instrumental in producing essential parts for this ambitious project.
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By GlobalDataThe company’s involvement includes crafting five sectors of the vacuum vessel, partnerships with Ansaldo Nucleare and Walter Tosto, and innovating advanced fabrication techniques that comply with ITER’s stringent quality standards.
ITER director-general Pietro Barabaschi stated: “ITER is pleased to have Westinghouse Electric Company taking on this significant role in our first-of-a kind project.
“With decades of leadership in nuclear power plant design and construction, we are confident that Westinghouse will be able to apply its remarkable expertise to the assembly of the ITER Tokamak.”
In June 2025, Westinghouse Electric entered an early works agreement with Fortum to explore the potential introduction of an advanced AP1000 reactor to meet growing energy demands in the Nordic region.
