Russia’s nuclear utility Rosenergoatom (part of Rosatom) has launched an Import substitution project to transfer NPPs to using Russian software. Direct work has already begun. An agreement has been concluded with contractors, the terms of reference and concept have been approved, and technical tasks are being prepared and agreed upon.
The current information system for supporting the operation of nuclear power plants TOREX is in pilot operation at five NPPs Balakovo, Beloyarsk, Kola, Rostov and Smolensk. The digital solution makes the process of planning and performing repairs transparent, facilitates management of material and technical resources, and repair costs. It was implemented on imported software, and now the AXIOMA platform (included in the Unified Register of Russian Programs for Electronic Computers and Databases) has been chosen as an import-substitution solution.
“When creating the AXIOMA platform, developers took into account the experience and achievements of large Russian and international enterprises from many industries,” said Oleg Shalnov, Director of the Department of IT Project Management & Integration at Rosenergoatom. “The similarity of methodologies and architectures for AXIOMA and IBM Maximo, the inherited process model and logic, will facilitate the transition for NPP users starting TOREX on the AXIOMA platform.”
The TOREX system is integrated with other Rosenergoatom IT resources and covers all vital processes associated with NPP equipment: operation, maintenance and repairs, engineering support, resource and documentation management. It employs more than 13,000 users – almost all the operating and maintenance personnel who maintain the equipment database, conduct walk-throughs, monitor the condition of the equipment and its repair, and keep records of defects and their elimination.
In the near future, as part of import substitution of TOREX, it is planned to create a software and hardware complex, migrate the current solution to a new platform, and also carry out improvements to develop the current functionality of the system.
The main contractor for the project is Interprokom LLC. Project management, as well as methodological and expert support, is provided by CONSIST-OS JSC, an internal Rosenergoatom integrator and competence centre in the field of information technology.
“Our experts took an active part in the implementation of the TOREX project; moreover, a competence centre was created at JSC CONSIST-OS, which is engaged in technical support and development of the system,” said Ilya Kholkin, General Director of CONSIST-OS JSC. “Having our own expertise, as well as a deep understanding of the specifics of NPP business processes and the needs of our business customers, will allow us to successfully replace the imported system.”
It is planned that the import-substituion system will be replicated and put into commercial operation at the end of 2025 at 11 Russian NPPs, including floating NPPs, as well as at closed fuel-cycle complex ODEK, the Crisis Centre and Rosenergoatom’s Central Office.
