(EnergyAsia, February 6, Friday) — Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, said it has been chosen to develop and implement four large-scale, fully digitised nuclear control rooms, equipped with the latest simulation technologies, critical control and safety systems for two new nuclear power plant sites in China. The agreement is worth approximately US$250 million.

In a drive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and its reliance on coal-generated power, China has raised the target for nuclear capacity in its power mix to 5% by 2020.

The new nuclear power projects, which are a part of this push to increase capacity, are located in Fuijan and Zhejiang provinces.

Under the purview of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the two projects, each of which will have two one-GW plants, are contracted by China Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (CNPE). The plants will be jointly designed by China Nuclear Power Operation Technology Corporation (CNPO).

IPS said it will provide an integrated technology platform for both safety (1E) and control systems, using its industry-leading Triconex® and Foxboro I/A Series® products. The IPS solution also includes an advanced Reactor Protection System (RPS) utilising functional software and hardware diversity. The plants will boast the most advanced, fully digitised nuclear control and safety environment available.

“The evaluation committee conducted a long and extensive evaluation process with extremely stringent criteria and we are glad to have selected IPS as our long-term, key technology partner,” said a spokesperson for the evaluation committee.

“During the evaluation process, IPS demonstrated global expertise that China can tap into as we accelerate our technology transfer program. IPS also has technologically advanced integrated solutions capabilities, as well as proven implementation methodologies and processes.

“In summary, they ranked high in all the key factors we look for in a long-term strategic technology partner. As China speeds up nuclear power expansion and increases clean energy capabilities, we are confident that IPS will continue to provide the world-class automation solutions and expertise that will allow us to optimise these systems and make them safer.”

Ulf Henriksson, CEO of Invensys plc, said: “We are pleased to enter into this strategic relationship with China and to partner with CNPE to help increase China’s capacity for clean power generation. We are confident this long-term partnership will contribute to the timely deployment of the new digitised nuclear power plants in China.

“We will utilise an integrated solution that combines our deep industry knowledge and our leading safety and control systems to create a safe, reliable and efficient nuclear power capability for China.

“We also believe that IPS’ century of innovation, integrated solutions capabilities, global presence, and technology transfer programs will contribute greatly to the acceleration of nuclear power plant deployment across Western Europe, the US and Asia.”

IPS has been a significant supplier to the global nuclear industry for more than 50 years and is well staffed with local, regional and global automation engineers familiar with nuclear applications. IPS serves 60% of the world’s top 50 performing nuclear power plants and supplies control systems to more than 100 of the approximately 440 operating nuclear plants worldwide.