Framatome Renews Maintenance Agreement for Sizewell B Until 2040

Framatome has renewed its long-term service agreement (LTSA) with EDF for the Sizewell B nuclear power plant, continuing its role in maintenance and outage activities until 2040. Framatome has provided services to Sizewell B since 2008. The renewed 15-year contract aims to support the plant's operational challenges and maintain safety and performance standards.

The scope of the agreement includes reactor and steam generator services, maintenance of reactor coolant pumps and valves, non-destructive examinations, supply chain coordination, and global outage staff management. Framatome will leverage its expertise in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and utilize teams based in the UK, supported by resources from France, Germany, and the US.

Sizewell B Lifetime Extension and Refurbishment

The renewed agreement aligns with the UK government and EDF's decision to extend Sizewell B's operating life by 20 years, beyond its initial 2035 end date. This extension is subject to finalization later this year. EDF will invest GBP800 million (USD1 billion) in refurbishment works over the next 15 years, to be conducted during planned outages.

These refurbishment efforts will include the installation of new environmental and automated plant monitoring systems, as well as the replacement of pipework, valves, and pumps across the site. Sizewell B, the UK's only PWR, has an installed capacity of 1,198 MW and began commercial operation in 1995. Since then, it has generated over 270 terawatt-hours of electricity.

Poland's first nuclear power plant is moving into procurement.

Poland's first nuclear power plant is moving into procurement.

Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) has commissioned Westinghouse Electric Company to begin the procurement process for long-lead components for Poland's first AP1000 reactor at Lubiatowo-Kopalino.

The scope covers six key nuclear island components, including the reactor containment vessel and structural modules.

The first unit is scheduled to begin operation in 2036, but supply chain preparations are already underway.

What does this mean for suppliers?
Westinghouse and PEJ expect Polish companies to participate in the procurement process, provided they meet the required nuclear quality standards, including ASME NQA-1.

This is an important opportunity for Poland's industrial sector.
Beyond supplying the country's first nuclear power plant, qualified Polish manufacturers could potentially become part of the wider international AP1000 supply chain.

And this is not just about major equipment manufacturers. Nuclear projects also require specialised materials, precision manufacturing, inspection, testing, logistics and engineering services.

For suppliers, early visibility, qualification and preparation are essential to participating in major nuclear projects.

PEJ has recently joined NucFinder as a Buyer.

At NucFinder, we're helping suppliers increase their visibility and connect with potential buyers across the global nuclear industry.

Source: https://lnkd.in/d7eJpXRa

Iran Reaffirms Stance on Uranium Enrichment Amid US Warnings

Mohammad Eslami, the chief of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, announced on Thursday that Iran will not halt uranium enrichment activities or hand over its uranium. This statement reaffirms Tehran's position following new US warnings regarding its nuclear facilities.

According to Iranian state media, Eslami dismissed the recent US warnings as "nothing new." He maintained that uranium enrichment is an "inseparable part" of the country's nuclear process. His comments indicate Iran's continued refusal to abandon uranium enrichment despite pressure from Washington.