Framatome has been selected by Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt (KKL) to modernise instrumentation and control (I&C) systems at the Leibstadt NPP in Switzerland. The modernisation project is part of ongoing investments at the plant which celebrated its 40th year of operation in 2024. This includes the complete replacement of the safety I&C for the engineered safety functions that will also achieve significant improvements in plant operation and availability, in addition easier maintenance in the future.
Framatome will implement the I&C upgrade based on the latest generation of its digital TELEPERM XS technology. The I&C system provides operators with critical information on plant operation, allows them to control various plant safety systems during routine operations, and automatically protects the reactor if needed. Framatome’s digital TELEPERM XS platform has been installed or is currently being installed in 92 reactors in 17 countries worldwide.
“Framatome is honoured to once again partner with KKL on this significant I&C modernization project,” said Frédéric Lelièvre, Senior Executive Vice President, Sales, Regional Platforms and Instrumentation and Control Business Unit at Framatome. “This modernisation will not only help improve the safety and efficiency of Switzerland’s most powerful nuclear plant, but also reinforce our shared commitment with KKL for their extended safe operations at Leibstadt.”
Roland Schmidiger, Managing Director KKL noted: “With this project, we are making an important contribution to continuous modernisation for safe, long-term operation until at least 2045.”
The single unit Leibstadt NPP comprises a 1,220 MWe General Electric-built boiling water reactor. Since 1984, KKL has invested a total of around €1.5bn ($1.6bn) in the modernisation and maintenance of the plant. A further €1bn is planned for renovations in the coming years to ensure safe, reliable and economical generation until at least 2045.
KKL is a consortium of six Swiss energy companies: Axpo Holding (split between CKW with 13.6%, Axpo Power with 22.8% and Axpo Solutions with 16.3%), Alpiq with 27.4%, BKW Energie with 14.5% and AEW energy with 5.4%. Management of the power plant was originally the responsibility of EGL before being transferred to Axpo.
