French nuclear power supply and engineering contractor Framatome, formerly Areva, said Thursday it would be upgrading the Instrumentation & Control (I&C) system on EDF's 900 MWe reactor fleet in France, a service contract that involves upgrades at 32 reactors.
Following on from the studies already underway since 2015, the first on-site operations will begin in 2019, coinciding with the fourth ten-yearly inspections of the 900 MWe series reactors.
The contract forms just a part of the overall French nuclear reactor modernization program designed in particular to extend the lifespan of the reactors beyond 40 years.
Framatome, as prime contractor will partner with other French companies to procure a part of the technology associated with this contract. Overall, "this contract illustrates thus the complementary of competencies within the French Nuclear sector," Framatome said.
"Following the contract awarded to us in 2011 to modernize the I&C system on the 1,300 MWe series reactors in France, we are delighted that EDF has chosen us again," said Frederic Lelievre, Framatome's SEVP of Sales, Regions and I&C.
The I&C system is the “brain and central nervous system” of a power plant, Framatome said. "Upgrading the I&C system improves safety, facilitates future maintainability and contributes to extending the service life of the power plants."