Framatome completes Doel I&C upgrade project

Framatome's predecessor, Areva NP, was awarded a contract in November 2016 by Electrabel to modernise parts of the I&C system of Doel 1 and 2. The systems concerned connect the emergency systems building with the plant's I&C. The operator will be able to monitor and control the plant from the protected facility in the event the normal control room is not operable.

As part of the project, Framatome designed, manufactured, tested and installed its TELEPERM XS digital platform in the units' emergency control rooms. These systems control and monitor the nuclear safety equipment, reinforcing the security of the plant. The emergency systems are mainly responsible for the removal of residual heat from the primary circuit and for managing the pressure and water/boron concentration.

The Belgian nuclear regulator, the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control, required several design upgrades to support the Doel units 1 and 2 long-term operation programme. Framatome integrated those upgrades in the new TELEPERM XS platform.

"Our Framatome team is at the forefront of international experience and best practices related to plant safety, which allows us to deliver the latest technologies to our customers," said Frédéric Lelièvre, senior executive vice president in charge of Sales, Regional Platforms and the I&C Business Unit at Framatome. "I offer my congratulations to the integrated teams from Doel and Framatome for their outstanding performance, on-time delivery and commitment to the plant's long-term operation and safety."

Doel units 1 and 2 are pressurised water reactors with an installed net capacity of 433 MWe each. The units started operation in 1974 and 1975, respectively. In 2015, Belgium authorities approved the extension of their operating licences until 2025. Through its 100%-owned Belgian subsidiary Electrabel, France's Engie operates and has majority ownership of these units.