INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL | KOZLODUY RPS UPGRADE
Kozloduy’s reactor protection upgrade
As part of a major modernisation and life extension project at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant critical instrumentation and control technologies have been upgraded. The move enables compliance with stringent international nuclear standards and enables the power units to operate safely and efficiently.
By: Roman Tsaturian, RPC Radics LLC
FOR THE PROJECTED SIGNIFICANT INCREASE in nuclear power utilisation over the next few decades to be achieved will require developing and deploying advanced technologies such as small modular and advanced reactors for new facilities. However, it will also depend on maximising the performance and lifespan of the existing global nuclear fleet. To meet that goal will mean addressing and overcoming challenges faced by existing nuclear power plants. The Kozloduy NPP is the sole operating nuclear power plant in Bulgaria and is also the largest in the region. Situated some 180 kilometres north of the capital construction of the first reactor at the site began in 1970 but Units 1 to 4 had all been shut down by 2007 as part of Bulgaria’s ascension to the European Union. Units 5 and 6, which are still operating, are Soviet-built VVER-1000 V-320 pressurised water reactors that were commissioned in 1987 and 1991, respectively. They generate about one-third of Bulgaria’s electricity supply. Since commissioning of the
units a number of different modernisation and upgrading programmes have been implemented including for the instrumentation and control systems. For example, in 2020 Kozloduy NPP signed a contract for the migration of Unit 5 and 6 computer information and control system to the latest generation Ovation platform, as well as partial modernisation of the Full Scope Simulator for the reactor units. The contract came as part of a programme of works that will extend the life of the units by 30 years and will see the plant operate for at least 60 years. Unit 5 is now due to operate until at least 2047 and unit 6 to 2051. A critical part of the plant life extension programme is the timely modernisation of information and control systems which ensures compliance with stringent international nuclear standards and enables the power units to operate safely and efficiently. In March 2023 a consortium of companies led by RPC
Radiy was awarded a contract for the modernisation of the Reactor Control and Protection System. Following a
Above: Kozloduy now benefits from an updated Reactor Control and Protection System from Radiy and Radics Source: KZNPP
50 | February 2025 |
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