Framatome has signed a contract with US-based Entergy Nuclear to provide engineering and installation services for the reactor vessel closure head replacement project at unit 2 of Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) in Russellville, Arkansas. The site comprises two pressurised water reactors that began commercial operation in 1974 and 1980.
Engineering analysis and installation planning is underway with the replacement and project completion planned for the Spring 2026 regularly scheduled maintenance and refuelling outage.
“As our industry gears up for the next generation of nuclear reactors, it’s paramount we also maintain and modernise our existing nuclear facilities for safe, reliable, clean energy generation,” said Erik Dorman, Executive Vice President of Framatome’s Installed Base Business Unit in North America. “Understanding that innovation thrives on collaboration, we worked closely with Entergy Nuclear to engineer a customized replacement process that will enhance the implementation and ensure equipment reliability and efficiency for ANO’s long-term operations.”
The project includes removal and replacement of the component’s service structure, control element drive mechanisms, coil stacks, transmitters, heavy rigging and modification and restoration of the existing equipment hatch.
