Framatome announced that it has been awarded the contract to upgrade the incore instrumentation systems for units 1 and 2 at Dominion Energy’s Surry Nuclear Power Station as part of its Subsequent Licence Renewal programme.
Framatome will replace the existing movable incore detector systems with new, state-of-the-art fixed incore detector systems (FIDS). The FIDS will play a critical role in the plant’s operational improvement as an integral part of the instrumentation and control (I&C) system. Implementation of the new FIDS system will allow Surry to monitor the reactor core in real time, improving operational flexibility. This capability increases the overall guidance to operators and improves the ability to navigate transient conditions and to detect and diagnose core anomalies.
“Framatome and Dominion Energy share a long history of working together across the Dominion fleet, and a common, longstanding goal to continue bringing carbon-free energy to our neighbours in Virginia,” said Clayton Scott, senior vice president Global Sales, Instrumentation and Control Business Unit at Framatome. “The latest fixed incore detector solution that we’re providing will be built in the US and help Surry Nuclear Power Station extend its operating life for another 20 years.”
Dan Stoddard, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at Dominion Energy, said: “Extending Surry’s operations is critical to meeting Dominion Energy’s and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s goals for carbon-free electricity. Partnering with Framatome on an upgraded incore instrumentation system for Surry enables us to continue to provide reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy to the community for years to come.”
Framatome will begin production of the new fixed incore detector systems next year with installation scheduled to start in 2024. As part of the modernisation project, FoxGuard Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Framatome, will also provide the cybersecurity assessment, design support, and testing to ensure compliance with the prescribed cybersecurity requirements for the associated digital systems.
Surry 1&2 are both 838MWe Westinghouse pressurised water reactors. Surry 1 began commercial operation in 1972, followed by Surry 2 a year later. The units were originally licensed to operate for 40 years, but in 2003 the operating licences were renewed for 20 additional years.
In May, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a request from Dominion Energy to extend the operating licences of the units for an additional 20 years. The licences will now expire in 2052 and 2053.
