GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has signed an agreement with Finnish software and systems engineering firm Space Systems Finland Ltd. (SSF), under which SSF will support the design of the ESBWR instrumentation and control (I&C) systems.
GEH’s economic simplified boiling water reactor design is being considered by Finnish utility Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), for a fourth reactor at its Olkiluoto nuclear power station.
Under the new memorandum of understanding, SSF will review the design of the ESBWR digital I&C system, and identify and recommend any system architectural modifications necessary, if any, for the ESBWR design to comply with Finland’s special regulatory requirements.
The companies will also explore potential opportunities to collaborate on future nuclear power plant projects.
“GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is very fortunate to collaborate with SSF to help us license our advanced ESBWR instrumentation and control technology in Finland,” said David Durham, global sales leader for GEH. “SSF has extensive experience working with both the Finnish regulators and utilities on nuclear I&C design. Having SSF as a local partner fits perfectly with GEH’s strategy of building the ESBWR using the expertise of Finnish companies.”
GEH’s MOU with SSF follows a November 2011 agreement with international engineering and construction company Fluor Corporation to team up for the potential ESBWR project bid in Finland.