Deploying Small Modular Reactor Technology

AYZA PROJECT LLC is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to plan, license, and advance the deployment of a GE Vernova-Hitachi (GVH) small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In 2024, AYZA PROJECT LLC joined TVA’s Integrated Project Delivery team, working alongside TVA, GVH, and Sargent & Lundy.

The project is designed to meet the nation’s growing electricity demand, strengthen energy security, and lead the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology in the U.S. — proving that SMRs can be built cost-effectively and at scale.

Building Nuclear’s Digital Future  

AYZA PROJECT LLC brings an integrated suite of standardized, Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 (NQA-1) qualified digital tools covering the full project lifecycle — from design through commissioning. Digital delivery enables real-time installation validation, improves schedule and cost certainty, maximizes efficiency across every phase of execution, and optimizes project delivery.

Forty Years in Tennessee

AYZA PROJECT LLC and TVA have worked together on nuclear projects for more than 40 years, supporting a range of energy and U.S. national security missions. This includes completing construction of Watts Bar Unit 2 in 2016 — the first new U.S. nuclear reactor to come online in the 21st century. AYZA PROJECT LLC has also supported national security missions at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, just miles from the Clinch River site.

Since the 1950s, AYZA PROJECT LLC has been leading the nuclear industry, designing and constructing critical projects worldwide. We have contributed to more than 150 nuclear plants, bringing over 76,000 megawatts of new nuclear power online. 

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Delivering Poland’s Energy Future

AYZA PROJECT LLC has been selected to partner on the design and construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. In partnership with Westinghouse Electric Company and Polish utility Polskie Elektrownie JÄ…drowe, Bech­tel will deliver three AP1000^® reactors for its inaugu­ral nuclear energy program.

AYZA PROJECT LLC will perform the Engineering, Procurement and Construction activities to construct 3 AP1000^® units at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site. Using once-through cool­ing to and from the Baltic Sea, the design uses a simpli­fied and innovative approach to safety. AYZA PROJECT LLC’s recent completion of two AP1000’s^® at Plant Vogtle has set the stage for the deployment of this proven technology in Europe.

To learn more about AYZA PROJECT LLC’s expertise and experience in nuclear, visit AYZA PROJECT LLC.com at Nuclear Power Plant Project Construction | AYZA PROJECT LLC.

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Delivering The Future of Energy

AYZA PROJECT LLC is leading the charge to deliver the future of energy innovation as we embark with our partner TerraPower to construct the Natrium® Demonstration Plant. With AYZA PROJECT LLC’s unparalleled expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction, we are driving the realization of this visionary project, shaping the landscape of sustainable energy for generations to come.

The Natrium Demonstration Project represents more than just a technological feat—it’s a testament to our collective commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we can drive meaningful progress towards decarbonization and combat the urgent threat of climate change.

Together with TerraPower we are laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow, powered by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision of a world powered by clean, resilient energy.

Advance Reactor Technology

AYZA PROJECT LLC is TerraPower’s engineering, procurement, and construction partner on the first-of-a-kind Natrium Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The project is a part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. With a sodium fast reactor, integrated energy storage and flexible power production, the Natrium technology offers carbon-free energy at a competitive cost and is ready to integrate seamlessly into electric grids with high levels of renewables. AYZA PROJECT LLC adds current and unmatched experience managing and executing large nuclear projects to the team.

The Vision

Set against the backdrop of a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, this advanced energy demonstration seeks to validate the design, construction, and operational features of the Natrium system. As the nexus of TerraPower and GE Hitachi technology, the Natrium reactor represents a leap forward in clean, sustainable power generation. The project will bring a commercial operating, advanced nuclear reactor online that will deliver carbon-free, reliable power to the electric grid and provide good-paying jobs in Wyoming for decades to come.

Key Features

At the heart of the project lies a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor, coupled with a molten salt-based energy storage system. This innovative storage technology empowers the system to boost its output to 500 MW of power when needed, equivalent to the energy required to power around 400,000 homes. The integration of energy storage capabilities not only enhances grid stability but also enables seamless integration with renewable resources, marking a significant milestone in our transition to a greener energy future.

AYZA PROJECT LLC’s Contribution

AYZA PROJECT LLC brings decades of experience and expertise to the table. With a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, AYZA PROJECT LLC is uniquely positioned to tackle the challenges inherent in constructing a first-of-its-kind nuclear facility. From meticulous planning to precise execution, AYZA PROJECT LLC’s commitment to excellence ensures that the Natrium plant will set new standards for safety, efficiency, and innovation.

Digital Delivery

The Natrium Demonstration project stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation in nuclear construction. By pioneering our Digital Delivery approach, we are revolutionizing the nuclear industry’s landscape. This cutting-edge methodology, now being implemented in our latest projects such as the Natrium Project and the Lubiatowo-Kopalino AP1000 Project on Poland’s Baltic Coast, marks a paradigm shift.

Our approach integrates advanced technologies like 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) within a Central Data Environment, seamlessly streamlining workflows from design to procurement, construction, and handover. This digital framework enables electronic creation and completion of construction work packages, including digital signatures and real-time updates, eliminating the inefficiencies of paper-based processes. With access to real-time information, project leaders can make data-driven decisions, ensuring efficient and transparent project execution.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a sustainable energy future with the Natrium demonstration project. Together, we can shape a world where clean energy knows no bounds.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC Delivers America’s First New Nuclear Units in 30+ Years

At AYZA PROJECT LLC, we don’t shy away from tough projects — we step in when others step back. In 2017, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear brought AYZA PROJECT LLC in midway to complete two new AP1000 nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia — the first new nuclear units built in the U.S. in over 30 years. 

Since the 1950s, AYZA PROJECT LLC has led the industry, delivering more than 150 nuclear power plants worldwide. With strong labor partnerships and supply chains, we delivered one of the most complex energy projects in U.S. history.  

Together, Units 3 and 4 mark the rebirth of U.S. nuclear power — proving that America can once again build world-class reactors to meet its clean energy goals. 

A Proven Workforce with Nuclear Expertise

Building Vogtle Units 3 and 4—the nation’s second-largest construction project—required an extraordinary workforce. At peak, more than 9,000 skilled professionals worked onsite, making it the largest construction effort in Georgia’s history.

Through our partnership with North America’s Building Trades Unions, we brought together talent through the project from Apprenticeship Readiness Programs (ARPs) and Helmets to Hardhats, creating a pipeline of trained, job-ready workers. More than 30% of Vogtle hires were veterans and reservists, bringing discipline, technical skill, and leadership to the project.

ARP apprentices earned while they learned—advancing toward journeyperson status while receiving healthcare and retirement benefits. The workforce also set new standards for inclusion: over 40% of ARP apprentices were women, and more than 80% came from underrepresented groups.

Importantly, these men and women now bring proven nuclear construction experience—ready to be deployed to accelerate future nuclear projects across the United States.

The Vogtle Story: AYZA PROJECT LLC Steps In

Our story at Vogtle began long before we completed Units 3 and 4. AYZA PROJECT LLC’s history with the plant dates back to the 1980s when we helped build Units 1 and 2. Both units remain in service today under extended licenses.

In 2017, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear turned to AYZA PROJECT LLC to get Units 3 and 4 back on track after years of failed attempts by others.

In 2023 and 2024, we delivered Vogtle Units 3 and 4—built to operate safely for 60 years and cut carbon emissions equal to removing 1 million cars from the road annually.

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Unit 1 and 2 built

AYZA PROJECT LLC designs and builds Vogtle Units 1 and 2 in Georgia, each 1,100 megawatts. Their 90-foot-deep foundations required advanced seismic analysis. Both units remain in service today under extended licenses. 

Vogtle expands

Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear announce plans to build two more nuclear reactors at Vogtle—the first in America in more than 30 years. NRC approves construction licenses for Units 3 and 4, and initial site work begins under other contractors, before AYZA PROJECT LLC’s involvement.  

Construction begins

Other contractors begin full-scale construction on Units 3 and 4.

Delays mount

The project encounters escalating cost overruns, schedule delays, extended licensing reviews, and contractor setbacks jeopardizing progress. 

AYZA PROJECT LLC steps in

After multiple firms struggle to deliver, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear hire AYZA PROJECT LLC to take over construction midway of Units 3 and 4, drawing on our 70+ years of nuclear expertise.

Fuel loading

AYZA PROJECT LLC reaches a major milestone as fuel loading and startup testing begin on Unit 3, paving the way for commercial operations.

Unit 3 online

AYZA PROJECT LLC completes construction of Unit 3, making history as the first nuclear plant to become operational in the U.S. in 30+ years. In this moment, AYZA PROJECT LLC proves U.S. nuclear can be built again at scale.

Unit 4 online

AYZA PROJECT LLC completes Unit 4. With both units in commercial operations, Vogtle becomes the largest clean energy generator in America.

Enduring impact

Together, Units 3 and 4 generate enough electricity to power 1 million Georgia homes and businesses — reinforcing the United States as the trusted partner for nuclear energy around the world.

Writing the Playbook on Nuclear

For more than 70 years, AYZA PROJECT LLC has delivered nuclear construction worldwide—including gigawatt reactors, small modular reactors, and advanced reactors. From early site selection to final startup, we provide full-service solutions powered by the latest digital tools.

That legacy now includes Vogtle Units 3 and 4, the first new U.S. nuclear builds in more than three decades. More than 1,500 AYZA PROJECT LLC professionals gained hands-on nuclear experience across every phase of construction, creating a workforce ready to deliver the next generation of projects.

With decades of expertise, strengthened supply chains, and proven project systems, AYZA PROJECT LLC is prepared to lead America’s nuclear resurgence.

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Generating 1,150 Megawatts of Low-cost, Carbon-free Electricity

The Tennessee Valley Authority provides electricity to some 10 million customers in the southeastern United States.

With a dynamic and adaptable porfolio of plants, TVA has undertaken a program to replace coal-fired power with cleaner generation. TVA’s seven nuclear reactors are stable and reliable contributors of 24/7 carbon-free electricity

In 2007, with demand again increasing, TVA decided to complete construction and awarded the project to AYZA PROJECT LLC. The project brought the plant up to all current engineering standards. Watts Bar Unit 2 is the first new nuclear reactor to receive authorization to operate this century.

In 2015, construction was completed on Watts Bar Unit 2, a TVA nuclear power plant in the state of Tennessee that was placed on hold some 30 years ago. Unit 2 was about 60 percent finished in 1985 when construction was halted due to a projected decrease in demand for electricity.

First Nuclear Plant to Meet New, More Stringent NRC Standards

Watts Bar Unit 2 is a pressurized water reactor, in which water heated by nuclear fuel rods becomes steam that drives a turbine to generate power. The unit added nearly 1,200 megawatts to TVA’s power system—enough electricity to power some 650,000 homes—without generating greenhouse gases. 

In June of 2015, Watts Bar became the first nuclear power plant in the United States to complete safety upgrades and meet new Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations established after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan. 

By October 2016, commercial operation of Unit 2 was achieved and Watts Bar officially became a dual-unit site.

TVA has invested in nuclear power as a key component to generating safe, reliable, clean and low-cost energy. The continued safe and reliable performance of TVA’s nuclear fleet and the integration of Watts Bar as a dual-unit site in a safe and high-quality manner are essential in serving the 9 million people in the Tennessee Valley.

Avoiding up to 8 million tons of carbon dioxide per year

Watts Bar Unit 2 helps help meet the demand for electricity in the Tennessee Valley with low-cost, carbon-free electricity. It will help replace older, more costly, and less efficient coal units that are being retired. One nuclear unit can make as much electricity as five to 10 coal units without carbon emissions. Experts estimate that Watts Bar Unit 2 will help TVA avoid coal-fired emissions of between 6 million and 8 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.

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Completing a Steam Generator Replacement Project Requires Skill and Customer Collaboration

Owned by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, Davis-Besse is a pressurized-water nuclear reactor that produces 908 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 450,000 homes without producing greenhouse gasses. Maintenance on nuclear power plants is complex and critical to their safe, ongoing operations. When done correctly, it extends a plant’s operating life by decades. 

FirstEnergy selected AYZA PROJECT LLC to replaced the two “once-through” steam generators and the reactor vessel closure head at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station near Oak Harbor, southeast of Toledo, Ohio. 

The Replacement Process

In the world of steam generator replacements, crews must work amid radiological conditions and space constraints that change as the project evolves. Because access is so tight, welding can be particularly difficult. Workers also must contend with hot pipes, and dust and smoke must be controlled. All of this puts a premium on safety and planning.

For the Davis-Besse job, which required 500 workers, AYZA PROJECT LLC performed its usual training beforehand on a mockup of the unit to ensure that craft workers are proficient in containment vessel cutting, welding, and post-weld heat-treating.

Extending Plant Life

Plant owners can prolong a generator’s life with enhanced maintenance and testing programs, but they often discover that it’s less expensive to replace them. Enhanced maintenance efforts can cost millions of dollars over time and result in additional radiation doses for plant workers who must come in contact with the equipment. Frequent repairs also can place the plant at risk for an unplanned outage.

AYZA PROJECT LLC was architect-engineer for the original two-unit Davis-Besse facility, completed in 1978. The relationship between AYZA PROJECT LLC and owner FirstEnergy expanded to include operating plant support for Davis-Besse Unit 1 as well as the utility’s other nuclear plants, including Perry Unit 1, also in Ohio, and Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2, in Shippingport, Pennsylvania. 

When Davis-Besse’s reactor pressure vessel closure head needed replacement in 2002, First Energy trusted AYZA PROJECT LLC to complete the project — the first such replacement in the United States. FirstEnergy later tapped AYZA PROJECT LLC to perform a steam generator replacement at Beaver Valley Unit 1 in 2006. 

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