CGN, Ultra to develop next generation I&C systems

China General Nuclear and Ultra Electronics of the UK have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the development of high-integrity instrumentation and control systems and sensors for nuclear power plants worldwide.

China General Nuclear (CGN) and Ultra Electronics of the UK have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the development of high-integrity instrumentation and control (I&C) systems and sensors for nuclear power plants worldwide.

The signing of the MOU (Image: Ultra Electronics)

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 28 February during the Civil Nuclear Showcase, hosted by the UK's Department for International Trade, in London. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the UK government and senior management from both companies.

Ultra said today the MOU covers collaboration on next generation I&C systems including reactor protection and control. The agreement, it said, will also explore possible collaboration in areas such as engineering support, localised manufacture and testing, through-life support, safety systems and sensors, and lifetime plant performance monitoring.

CGN senior vice president Zheng Dongshan said, "CGN started cooperation with Ultra Electronics a long time ago, including on Ling Ao Phase II and other CGN nuclear power projects in China." He added, "I am really glad today we sign the MOU with Ultra to deepen and broaden our existing collaboration areas, both in the UK and Chinese nuclear market."

Ultra CEO Rakesh Sharma said, "Through our continuing strategic relationship with CGN, we are delighted to help deliver mutual benefit to both the Chinese and UK civil nuclear markets."

Ultra says it is "a strategic supplier of nuclear qualified instrumentation and control systems to key plant manufacturers and operators around the world". These systems are used for operating, monitoring and controlling reactors. It has supplied I&C equipment to over 200 reactors in 16 countries.

Last July, CGN announced that the FirmSys digital I&C system developed by its Beijing CTEC System Engineering Co Ltd subsidiary had passed an independent review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA team concluded that FirmSys meets the agency's safety standard requirements.

CGN describes the FirmSys system as the "nerve centre" of a nuclear power plant, capable of controlling more than 260 plant systems running nearly 10,000 pieces of equipment and process conditions.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News