Framatome has signed contracts with power utility Vattenfall for the modernisation of Sweden’s Ringhals NPP. Framatome will update reactor control systems using its digital instrumentation & control (I&C) TELEPERM XS platform and refurbish the reactor coolant pumps for units 3&4.
The work also includes upgrade of the KSU Simulator at Ringhals. The equipment will be jointly tested with Vattenfall at KSU Simulator premises before it is installed. The new reactor control system will be installed and commissioned in 2026 for unit 3 and in 2027 for unit 4.
In addition, Framatome will refurbish six reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) within the primary loop. Framatome has manufactured, maintained and repaired these components for decades from its Jeumont and Maubeuge industrial facilities in northern France.
The RCP internals and motors will be transported to Maubeuge, where they will be inspected and refurbished, including the installation of new stators and the replacement of thermal barrier covers. They will then be shipped back to Sweden to gradually replace the current operating equipment between 2025 and 2031.
Framatome CEO Bernard Fontana said the agreement “is a step forward in strengthening our long-standing relationship with Vattenfall and our commitment to support the continued operations of safe, economical, reliable and low carbon electricity generation at Ringhals”.
The 1062 MWe Ringhals 3 and 1117 MWe Ringhals 4 are pressurised water reactors (PWRs) were commissioned in 1981 and 1983. Vattenfall is planning to extend operation of both units for a total operational lifetime of 60 years each. Ringhals 1&2 are undergoing decommissioning. The Ringhals 2 PWR was closed in December 2019 followed by the Ringhals 1 boiling water reactor in December 2020.
Image: The Ringhals plant (courtesy of Vattenfall)
