OpenLobby.EU
Explore

Westinghouse Electric Company

Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear technologies to utilities globally.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU taxonomy - Review of the environmental delegated act

3 Dec 2025

The decision to include nuclear energy in the EU Taxonomy was a correct and science-based step, recognizing the essential role of nuclear power in achieving climate neutrality. The Joint Research Centres (JRC) assessment concluded that nuclear energy does not cause more harm to human health or the environment than other electricity production technologies already included in the Taxonomy. However, the technical screening criteria for nuclear energy contain ambiguities and requirements that risk undermining the effectiveness and clarity of the framework. This review is therefore both timely and necessary to ensure the criteria are robust, unambiguous, and supportive of the EUs climate objectives. Please find below attached our full response including the main issues identified in the current criteria and proposals for solutions to address them.
Read full response

Response to Future development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe

3 Dec 2025

The advancement and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe represent a pivotal opportunity for the European Union to enhance its energy security, strengthen its supply chain and accelerate the phase-out of Russian energy, all while achieving the ambitious climate targets. SMRs, with their modular characteristics built into the design from inception, advanced safety features, and reduced front-end capital cost, are well positioned to provide clean electricity and heat for both residential and industrial applications, including hydrogen production, while contributing to grid stability and fostering innovation across sectors. Please find attached our recommendations to accelerate advancement and deployment of SMRs in Europe.
Read full response

Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy)

25 Sept 2025 · REPowerEU, EU/US collaboration on nuclear energy

Meeting with Stefano Ciccarello (Head of Unit Energy)

5 Jun 2025 · A technical meeting between EC/ESA and Westinghouse on the European Commission Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports

Response to Nuclear Illustrative Programme

12 May 2025

We welcome the European Commissions call for evidence ahead of the of the new Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC). This initiative is a timely and necessary step toward ensuring that nuclear energy can continue to play a vital role in delivering Europes climate, energy security, and industrial policy objectives. While the Commissions intention to prepare a new PINC is a positive step, the programme must evolve beyond a simple overview of investment needs. To ensure succesful outcome, PINC should include concrete production targets, clear investment breakdowns, and actionable policy proposals. Without these elements, the PINC risks falling short of its purpose and impact. We therefore urge the Commission to: 1. Introduce Clear Nuclear Energy Production Targets Clear targets provide essential direction for industry and investors. It is therefore imperative that the new PINC indicates clear nuclear energy production targets, as is mandated by the Euratom Treaty. 2. Accompany Targets with Policy Recommendations and Follow-Up Proposals Targets alone are insufficient without actions. PINC should include concrete policy recommendations on how to reach the proposed production levels and commit the Commission to bring forward legislative and financial proposals to implement these measures. 3. Present a Detailed Breakdown of Investment Needs Across the Lifecycle PINC should comprehensively assess investment requirements across the entire nuclear lifecyclefrom fuel cycle to new builds and life extension of existing plants, as well as decommissioning. This should also include a systematic assessment of investment barriers within current EU funding instruments and propose reforms to promote technology neutrality, particularly by ensuring nuclear energy is placed on an equal footing with renewables in access to public and private finance. 4. Strengthen the Focus on Ending Dependency on Russian Supply Chains PINC should include a targeted section assessing the investments needed to eliminate EU dependency on Russian nuclear technologies and services, with specific focus on VVER fuel supply diversification and secure supply chains across the sector. 5. Support Workforce Development and Skills Investment The EU must address the growing need for a highly skilled workforce to support the expansion and modernization of the nuclear sector. PINC should include an assessment of training and education investment needs and recommend EU-level support for education programmes, apprenticeships, and cross-border talent mobility. Importance of Technology Neutrality and a Diverse Energy Mix As Europe advances towards its 2050 climate neutrality goals, it is imperative that EU energy policies uphold the principle of technology neutrality. Decarbonisation targets should be met through the most effective and efficient combination of technologies, without ideological bias or policy-driven exclusion of proven low-carbon solutions. All low-carbon technologiesincluding nuclearmust be evaluated based on their contribution to climate targets. Furthermore, a diverse energy mix is essential for the EUs energy resilience and strategic autonomy. The recent energy crisis underscored the dangers of overreliance on specific fuels or energy sources. Investing in nuclear energy is crucial also for providing stable energy production, which enhances grid stability and security. Nuclear energy also serves as an essential enabler for increasing the share of renewables, helping to meet the EU's 2050 climate targets. Concluding Remarks For Europe to meet its decarbonisation objectives while ensuring energy security, the 2025 PINC must be a strategic, actionable, and forward-looking instrument. This requires integrating clear production targets, concrete policy tools, and comprehensive investment planning.
Read full response

Response to Taxonomy Delegated Acts – amendments to make reporting simpler and more cost-effective for companies

26 Mar 2025

We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed amendments to the Taxonomy Delegated Acts. As Westinghouse, we continue to support the objective of the Taxonomy Regulation: to provide clear guidance for directing investments into sustainable activities, thereby supporting the EUs climate goals. To ensure effective use of the EU Taxonomy, its positive that the Commission is now focusing on improving its usability by simplifying reporting requirements and making them more proportionate for businesses and investors. 1. Importance of Maintaining the Integrity of the Taxonomy Framework The EU Taxonomy is an important tool for guiding investments towards sustainable economic activities. Its effectiveness relies on a balance between robust criteria and practical usability. While simplifications are necessary to prevent excessive administrative burdens, the fundamental principles underpinning the Taxonomy should not be diluted. 2. Support for the Simplification of the Reporting Requirements A key improvement in the proposed amendments is the reduction of required data points, which enables streamlined reporting without compromising key metrics. In particular, we strongly welcome the decision to remove the requirement for separate reporting on exposures to nuclear energy activities. Given that nuclear energy plays a significant role in achieving climate neutrality, its treatment should be consistent with other clean energy sources within the Taxonomy. 3. Necessity for Continued Improvements to Technical Screening Criteria We also acknowledge the Commissions commitment to reassess the technical screening criteria. The current framework has led to some implementation challenges, and addressing these complexities will enhance the usability of the Taxonomy. However, the focus on simplifying existing criteria should not come at the cost of including new activities that contribute to climate objectives, such as nuclear fuel manufacturing. The continued evolution of the Taxonomy should ensure that all clean energy technologies receive fair consideration based on scientific and environmental merits. 4. Introduction of a 10% De Minimis Threshold The introduction of the 10% de minimis threshold is also a positive step forward. This will allow companies to concentrate their reporting efforts on the most material activities, reducing excessive administrative burdens while maintaining transparency on key sustainability metrics. This change supports a more proportionate approach to reporting and will help businesses allocate resources more efficiently. We appreciate the Commissions efforts to improve the Taxonomy framework and look forward to further refinements that uphold its integrity while ensuring practical applicability for businesses and investors.
Read full response