Switzerland: AREVA NP installs a system allowing flexible electricity generation at Goesgen nuclear power plant

AREVA NP has installed a system to automatically adjust Goesgen Swissnuclear power plant’s electricity generation to the needs of the grid operator. The successfully implemented solution varies the plant’s output between 50 and 100 percent of its installed capacity, without interaction of the operator. The output adaptation can be performed with power ramps of up to 30 megawatts per minute.

AREVA NP’s Advanced Load Following Control (ALFC) technology features a software upgrade of the reactor control system, adapts the relevant interfaces in the plant and comprises a comprehensive test series as well as operator training to ensure safe and proper operation.

“The intermittent electricity generation of renewable energy sources like wind and solar increases the need for balancing power. Our ALFC system enhances the capabilities of nuclear power plants to deliver such services and to perform a stabilizing role in the power grid”, said Carsten Dueweke, responsible for instrumentation & control projects at AREVA  NP.

“Thanks to the excellent and competent cooperation between AREVA NP and the plant teams, the project could be successfully concluded on schedule at Goesgen”, summarized Peter Kulli, Deputy Head Electrical Systems at Goesgen nuclear power plant.

AREVA NP has already delivered its ALFC technology to four German nuclear power plants (Philippsburg 2, Isar 2, Brokdorf and Grohnde), the first project dates back to 2008. Further international projects are foreseen as the adaption of ALFC to other reactor designs is ongoing.