France’s Framatome has been selected by Engie subsidiary Electrabel for two major projects in Belgium: the modernisation of the Flux Monitoring System (FMS) at unit 3 of the Tihange NPP; and upgrading work at unit 4 of the Doel NPP and Tihange 3. These contracts follow a 2023 agreement signed between Engie and the Belgian government to extend the operational lifetime of these two reactors.
Modernisation of the FMS system at Tihange 3, planned over several years, aims to fully replace the existing system. It includes every phase, from engineering studies to the supply of all necessary electrical, electronic, and mechanical components. On-site installation and ongoing maintenance operations are also part of the project scope. The FMS system is critical in reactor control, providing precise measurements of neutron power distribution within the reactor core and ensuring that the core’s behaviour aligns with both design and operational expectations.
The second contract covers the modernisation, maintenance, and operational support of the three motor stators of the Reactor Coolant Pumps (RCPs) at Tihange 3 and Doel 4, including the supply of spare parts. Within the primary loop, the primary motor pumps are crucial for NPP safety and efficiency. Framatome has a history of manufacturing, maintaining, and repairing the internals, motors, and stators of these rotating components at its industrial facilities in northern France.
“These two contracts reflect Electrabel’s renewed confidence in Framatome and our ability to support our customers in modernising their nuclear facilities,” said Frédéric Lelièvre, Senior Executive Vice President, Sales, Regional Platforms, and I&C Business Unit at Framatome. “Today’s agreements reaffirm our long-term commitment to supporting safe, cost-effective, reliable, and low-carbon electricity production in Belgium.”
