November 14, 2022 – Framatome’s expertise and contributions were instrumental to the submittal of a license amendment request (LAR) for a digital instrumentation and control (I&C) modernization project at a U.S. nuclear plant. Submitted in July, this is the most significant application of the LAR process under the latest Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) interim staff guidance for the digital upgrade of 1E safety I&C systems. The scope includes replacement of the reactor protection, engineered safeguards features actuation, and nuclear instrumentation systems. Following the recent acceptance of the LAR, the NRC will move forward with the formal review process.
“Modernization of the I&C systems is essential for installed U.S. nuclear plants to meet requirements so that they can continue serving their customers with safe, clean electricity, and help states achieve net zero carbon emissions goals,” said Frédéric Lelièvre, senior executive vice president of Sales, Regional Platforms and Instrumentation and Control at Framatome. “The Framatome team is proud to help with the LAR submittal and congratulates the customer’s licensing team for this groundbreaking accomplishment.”
The Framatome Tricon safety I&C platform being used in this I&C upgrade project has already been approved by the NRC which will expedite the customer’s project through the licensing review process.
As plants undergo subsequent license renewals to extend their lifetime, the I&C systems are among those that plant owners will be upgrading to operate an additional 20 years. The I&C system is part of the plant’s central nervous system. It provides operators with critical information on plant operation, allows them to control various plant safety systems during routine operations, and automatically protects the reactor if needed. The 1E safety classification references the specific systems that are essential to critical reactor response and performance, and required for ensuring public health and safety.