Framatome modifies Loviisa nuclear power plant's control rod systems

Framatome has successfully modified the Preventive Protection System (PPS) at the Loviisa* nuclear power plant, operated by the Finnish utility Fortum. The Preventive Protection System uses control rods to monitor the reactor power and contributes to the safe operation of the plant. Implementation of the PPS is part of the modernization of the plant's I and C system.

The project started in 2016 when Fortum awarded Framatome the contract for the PPS and included the modification of the TELEPERM XS technology, originally delivered by Framatome in 2008 (Unit 1) and 2009 (Unit 2).

Framatome's I and C teams prepared the required documentation, designed and engineered the system modification and performed the final testing, installation and commissioning on site during the 2018 outage. These tasks are essential for the functionality of the entire system and are also mandatory for obtaining the licensing by the Finnish safety authority STUK.

A joint team approach and close cooperation between Framatome and Fortum at all stages of the project were key to ensuring successful completion on time and to budget.

"This successful modification project proves Framatome's ability to provide I and C upgrades to different reactor types worldwide. Our TELEPERM XS I and C system is well known to Finnish operators and the authority STUK which is a perfect basis for further projects", said Frederic Lelievre, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Sales, Regional Platforms and the Instrumentation and Control Business Unit at Framatome.