Palmetto Nuclear Coalition welcomed announcements that mark a significant milestone for South Carolina’s nuclear future and the Fairfield Nuclear Project.
Columbia, S.C. (May 5, 2026) - The Palmetto Nuclear Coalition (PNC) welcomed announcements by Santee Cooper, Brookfield, and The Nuclear Company that mark a significant milestone for South Carolina’s nuclear future and the Fairfield Nuclear Project.
Santee Cooper announced that the newly formed nuclear development company created by Brookfield and The Nuclear Company has been selected as the project manager for the Fairfield Nuclear Project, advancing the detailed feasibility work associated with completing the two partially constructed AP1000 nuclear units at the V.C. Summer site in Fairfield County. The project manager role was established under the Memorandum of Understanding between Santee Cooper and Brookfield and represents a key step toward evaluating whether the project can move forward to a final investment decision.
The project management appointment coincides with Brookfield and The Nuclear Company’s announcement that they have formed a dedicated nuclear project execution company, designed to deploy Westinghouse reactor technology and provide end‑to‑end oversight for nuclear development projects in the United States and beyond.
“This announcement makes clear that South Carolina is approaching nuclear development with the seriousness and discipline these projects demand,” said Ethel Bunch, Founder of the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition. “By naming a project manager that combines global infrastructure experience with real‑world nuclear project delivery expertise—and by basing that leadership in South Carolina—this effort takes a meaningful step forward. Jimmy Staton and the Santee Cooper leadership team deserve real credit for approaching this project with creativity, accountability, and a willingness to rethink how nuclear projects can and should be executed. This kind of leadership sends a strong signal that South Carolina is prepared to lead with innovation and seriousness as this project moves through its next phase.”
The newly formed company will lead ongoing due‑diligence and feasibility activities for the Fairfield project and will manage overall execution subject to future approvals and agreements.
“This structure brings together capital, project management capability, and nuclear expertise in a way that reflects the lessons learned from past projects and the opportunities ahead. The Nuclear Company has a deep bench of talent and expertise with direct ties to the successful project at Vogtle, making their involvement with the Fairfield project invaluable,” said Bunch.
The Fairfield Nuclear Project is widely regarded as one of the most execution‑ready nuclear development opportunities in the nation, with existing infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and strong state‑level engagement supporting continued evaluation of the project.
“This moment is bigger than a single project,” Bunch said. “It reinforces South Carolina’s role as a national leader in nuclear energy and signals that our state is prepared to help lead the next chapter of America’s nuclear resurgence—responsibly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on long‑term value for customers, communities, and the economy.”
The Palmetto Nuclear Coalition looks forward to continued progress as feasibility work proceeds and stakeholders assess next steps for the Fairfield Nuclear Project.
Media Contact:
Allen Klump
Maynard Nexsen
(803) 540-2121
Allen.Klump@maynardnexsen.com
About Palmetto Nuclear Coalition
Palmetto Nuclear Coalition (PNC) is a coalition of energy users, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to strengthening South Carolina’s energy future through nuclear power. In December 2025, PNC hosted the Second Annual South Carolina Nuclear Summit, convening leaders from Westinghouse, Brookfield, and Santee Cooper, along with state and federal policymakers, to discuss the next chapter of nuclear development in South Carolina, including the potential completion of the Fairfield Nuclear Project. The summit underscored growing alignment among public- and private-sector leaders around execution discipline, long‑term energy reliability, and South Carolina’s role in supporting a national resurgence in nuclear energy.