Finance
Westinghouse to Increase Headcount in Spain as It Eyes Growth in Europe
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 16, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 16, 2026
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Westinghouse plans to expand its workforce in Spain, aiming to tap into the growing European market for its AP1000 nuclear reactors.
Westinghouse Plans to Expand Workforce in Spain Amid European Growth
Westinghouse's Growth Strategy in Europe
By Pietro Lombardi
Current Workforce and Future Plans
MADRID, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Westinghouse Electric Company plans to hire hundreds of additional workers at its Spanish operations by the end of the decade as it eyes new markets in Europe for its AP1000 nuclear reactors, two senior company officials said on Monday.
Demand for Nuclear Power in Europe
European countries including Italy and Poland are looking to nuclear power as a way of helping decarbonise their economies, while Spain's largest utilities are seeking a review of plans to close all of its nuclear reactors by 2035.
Engineering Studies for New Units
Madrid is home to the U.S. company's main operations in Europe, employing some 1,200 workers at the end of 2024.
It plans to increase that number to around 1,500 by 2030, regardless of whether Spain maintains its planned phase-out, said Xavier Coll, the head of Westinghouse Electric's Spanish business.
The majority of the staff based in Spain focus on other European markets, meaning staffing levels were not ultimately affected by the fate of the country's nuclear sector, he told journalists at the presentation of a new simulator to train those working with the AP1000 reactors.
There are 14 units of the company's AP1000 reactor model currently under construction in China and 14 units under contract in Poland, Bulgaria and Ukraine.
"We see a very strong demand especially in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe in terms of new units," said Luca Oriani, global head of Westinghouse Electric's new reactor business.
"We have a number of additional countries besides the ones listed that are performing what are called front-end engineering studies, which is the preparation of licensing and application" for new units, he said.
(Reporting by Pietro Lombardi; Editing by Joe Bavier)
Key Takeaways
- •Westinghouse plans to hire hundreds more workers in Spain by 2030.
- •Spain's nuclear sector phase-out won't affect staffing levels.
- •AP1000 reactors are in demand across Europe.
- •14 AP1000 units are under construction in China.
- •Poland, Bulgaria, and Ukraine have AP1000 contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Westinghouse to increase headcount in Spain as it eyes growth in Europe
1What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power is energy produced from nuclear reactions, primarily through the process of nuclear fission, where atomic nuclei are split to release energy.
2What is job creation?
Job creation refers to the process of generating new employment opportunities, often through business expansion, economic growth, or new market developments.
3What are engineering studies?
Engineering studies involve the analysis and design processes necessary for developing new technologies or systems, often including feasibility assessments and project planning.
4What is sustainability in energy?
Sustainability in energy refers to the development and use of energy sources that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
5What are AP1000 nuclear reactors?
AP1000 nuclear reactors are advanced pressurized water reactors designed by Westinghouse, known for their safety features and efficiency in generating electricity.