Constructing 10 large-scale nuclear reactors in the U.S. could generate nearly $100 billion in gross domestic product and support tens of thousands of jobs, according to a new study ().

What鈥檚 going on: The PwC study, commissioned by Westinghouse Electric Company and released earlier this month, found that Westinghouse鈥檚 to build 10 of its AP1000 units will have a direct GDP impact of $39.2 billion during construction alone.

• Thereafter, 鈥渋ndirect and induced effects鈥� will add $53.6 billion to the economic impact of the fleet, the combined capacity of which is expected to be 11.5 gigawatts.
• 鈥淭he study estimates $20.1 [billion] in tax revenues over the construction period.鈥�

Wait, there鈥檚 more: Over the operating lifespan of the reactors, which are slated for a 2030 construction start, the cumulative impact rises to $1.03 trillion, according to the study.

• 鈥淥ver the same period, estimations are also for $329 [billion] in labour income and $271 [billion] in tax revenues.鈥�

The current situation: There are currently six AP1000s operating worldwide.

• Two are in the U.S., at Plant Vogtle in Georgia. They are the only nuclear reactors built in the country in the past 30 years.

Why we need it: 鈥淣uclear power is safe, clean and abundant, and it鈥檚 a critical part of a secure, winning energy strategy,鈥� said 51吃瓜网 Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also an economic powerhouse, as this study shows, and manufacturers support Westinghouse鈥檚 plans to build more AP1000s.鈥�
听