Framatome Selected to Deliver Critical Digital Control Upgrades at Columbia Generating Station
Framatome announced today it has been awarded a contract to upgrade several digital control systems at Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station.
A Modernization Project for Key Plant Systems
The project includes the design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and installation of a new digital control system for feedwater level control, as well as the drainage and venting systems of the feedwater heaters. These upgrades are part of Energy Northwest’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the supply of affordable, reliable, and responsible energy for its customers.
A Partnership in Support of Safe and Reliable Nuclear Energy
“This project reflects a growing partnership with Energy Northwest and our shared commitment to advancing safe and reliable nuclear energy for the Pacific Northwest region,” said Tony Robinson, President and CEO of Framatome in North America. “By integrating Framatome’s advanced digital control systems, the Columbia Generating Station will modernize essential systems that will help ensure the plant’s long-term performance and deliver the clean, reliable energy that Northwest communities depend on every day.”
A Digital Platform at the Heart of the Instrumentation and Control System
Framatome’s solution is based on the commercial Tricon digital control platform, which is part of the plant’s instrumentation and control (I&C) system. The I&C system acts as the reactor’s nervous system, providing operators with critical information on plant operations, enabling them to control various safety systems during routine operations, and automatically protecting the reactor when necessary.
Tangible Benefits for Long-Term Operation
These modernized systems rely on a robust and reliable digital control platform, improving operators’ understanding of system status while reducing maintenance costs and supporting the plant’s long-term operation.
The development, manufacturing, and assembly of the systems will take place at the company’s operational centers of excellence in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and Lynchburg, Virginia.
Columbia Generating Station: A Key Energy Asset for the Northwest
Located 10 miles north of Richland, Washington, the Columbia Generating Station is the only nuclear power plant in the Northwest and plays a vital role in providing clean and reliable energy to the region.
About Framatome SAS | https://www.framatome.com/fr/
Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy, recognized for its innovative, digital solutions and high value-added technologies for the world’s nuclear power plants. With worldwide expertise and solid references in terms of reli ability and performance, the company designs, maintains and installs components, fuels and control systems for nucle ar power plants. Every day, its 17,000 or so employees help Framatome’s customers to provide an ever cleaner, safer and more economical lowcarbon energy mix.