Nuclear energy developer opens largest office in Columbia, plans for 100 jobs

COLUMBIA — A nuclear energy developer has opened an engineering and construction office in downtown Columbia, planning to create more than 100 jobs, according to South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

The April 24 announcement of the Lady Street office comes as the developer, The Nuclear Company, assesses sites for its first 6-gigawatt group of nuclear reactors. The firm touts a “design-once, build-many” method it says will cut costs and lessen delays, avoiding “previous industry pitfalls,” according to McMaster’s office. Its approach includes using artificial intelligence to choose sites, the office said.

According to the company, which told The Post and Courier by email the office is among “several others throughout the country including in Washington, D.C.,” the Columbia location will be its largest.

In a statement, the company’s CEO Jonathan Webb pointed to nuclear reactor construction in China as a threat to “America’s longstanding leadership in nuclear power.” 

As of spring 2024, China had 55 reactors operating and 23 more under construction, according to a U.S. Department of Energy report. Meanwhile, the U.S. had the largest fleet with 94 reactors, but the report noted it took nearly 40 years to add the same capacity China added in the past decade.

Webb added that artificial intelligence and electrification depend on a steady and clean supply of nuclear power. 

“We can’t stand to lose nuclear and its technology development like we lost manufacturing and all of its jobs,” Webb said. “The Nuclear Company is coming to South Carolina to show how we can meet these challenges and continue to grow both employment and the American economy at large.”

McMaster called nuclear power critical to meeting South Carolina’s growing energy needs amid population growth and technological advances.

“When South Carolina attracts businesses like The Nuclear Company, it strengthens our economy, creates new opportunities for our people, and reinforces our position as a leader in energy innovation,” McMaster said in a statement. “Reliable, affordable energy is essential for our future prosperity, and this investment marks another step toward securing a bright future for our state.”