Nuclear

Von Hatley, Advanced Manufacturing Director
hatley@la.gov | 225.342.9100

Louisiana is aggressively competing to become a significant participant in the industry, notably in the development of modular components for new reactors. The state's manufacturing workforce, deep-water shipping infrastructure and favorable regulatory environment helped Louisiana land the first nuclear module manufacturing facility in the U.S. These and other factors have positioned Louisiana to become a major production hub for the industry.

Nuclear power production is set to expand significantly throughout the world as pressure mounts to develop low-carbon sources of energy. About 16% of all electricity worldwide currently runs on nuclear power, and 35 new reactors are under construction worldwide to meet increasing demand. By 2030, nuclear capacity around the globe is projected to increase by 21% to 87%, and will attract capital investment of between $500 billion and $2 trillion.

• Workforce
• Transportation/Logistics
• Manufacturing Culture

• Workforce

  An established manufacturing sector in Louisiana has created generations of skilled workers and a strong network of technical colleges. With current enrollment estimated at 70,000, the community and technical colleges offer specialized training in manufacturing, industrial technology and process technology.

  In addition, Louisiana Economic Development created the innovative Louisiana FastStart™ program, which provides customized workforce training programs to new and expanding companies. Within its first year of operation, Louisiana FastStart helped Louisiana achieve significant economic development wins, such as V-Vehicle Co. and Gardner Denver Thomas.

• Transportation/Logistics

  Louisiana's diverse transportation infrastructure includes rail, interstate, air and waterways. Louisiana's port system is one of the largest in the world, transporting tons of cargo in and out of the country. And the Port of South Louisiana is the largest single port in the United States, ranked by tonnage. With its six deep-water ports, the state is uniquely positioned to transport the massive nuclear modules required by the growing number of world wide reactors.

  LOUISIANA PORT	2007 RANKING	TOTAL TONNAGE
  Port of South Louisiana	1st	229,040,085
  Port of New Orleans	8th	76,045,540
  Port of Lake Charles	11th	64,234,040
  Plaquemines Port	12th	58,816,539
  Port of Greater Baton Rouge	14th	54,623,559

• Manufacturing Culture

  A sustained industry presence helps Louisiana springboard easily into new areas of manufacturing. The state's vast industrial infrastructure creates opportunities for both upstream partnerships and co-location. The Shaw Group Inc., one of a limited number of U.S. companies with nuclear capabilities, recently committed to developing a new manufacturing facility for nuclear reactor modular components in Louisiana.

  Louisiana's regulatory environment has been favorable and its communities have long appreciated the role of industrial facilities in supporting local economies. As of July 2009, electricity, water, natural gas, machinery and equipment used by manufacturers are exempt from Louisiana sales tax. The state also has a single-factor sales apportionment for calculating corporate income taxes, providing manufacturing companies in Louisiana with a significant cost advantage.