France’s Framatome said its digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems at the Doel nuclear power plant in Belgium had passed the final site acceptance test (SAT). This marks the completion of the project to modernise the control and emergency systems at Doel 1 and 2.

As part of the modernisation project, Framatome designed, manufactured, tested and installed its TELEPERM XS digital platform, which enhances the plant’s safety and supports its long-term operation.

Doel 1 and 2 are 433MWe pressurised water reactors. French energy corporation Engie operates and has majority ownership of these units through its 100%-owned Belgian subsidiary Electrabel. Doel 1 and 2 started operation in 1974 and 1975, and in 2015 extension of their operating licences was approved until 2025.  

Framatome's predecessor, Areva NP, was awarded a contract by Electrabel in 2016 to modernise parts of the I&C system of Doel 1&2 that connect the emergency systems building with the plant's I&C. It means that the operators will be able to monitor and control the plant from the protected facility if the regular control room is not operable.

The Doel and Framatome teams installed the TELEPERM XS systems in the Emergency Control Rooms at Doel 1&2. The 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 Safety Authority (FANC) also required several design upgrades to support the Doel 1&2 long-term operation programme. Framatome integrated those upgrades in the new TELEPERM XS platform.

Photo: Doel nuclear power plant