- ABB and SimGenics to develop simulation-based solutions for training, testing and verification of nuclear plant operations
- Agreement supports plant process model and simulation across conventional large plants, small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors
- Policies in both the US and Canada aim to enable the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology as part of a diversified energy mix
ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SimGenics, an advanced plant simulator company, to support the development and provision of engineering, training and distributed control system (DCS) simulators for the nuclear energy industry, primarily in North America. The collaboration comes at an important time, with both US and Canadian governments implementing policy frameworks to stimulate the deployment of nuclear energy to generate electricity.
Drawing on their collective expertise, the MoU will allow ABB and SimGenics to explore how they can support the greenfield power generation industry predominantly. This will include complete plant process model and simulation across conventional large nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) facilities. As well as being installed at offsite R&D centers for testing and validation purposes during the design stage, the simulators can also be used onsite at operational nuclear power plants as engineering and training systems.
Nuclear power generation is expected to play a key role in US domestic policy, with the country’s Department of Energy looking to secure a reliable and affordable energy supply by enabling the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology1. In Canada the federal government views nuclear power as an important component of a diversified energy mix2, having created the Canada SMR Action Plan to drive development, demonstration and deployment of SMRs3.
“Against the backdrop of growing energy demand, nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon solution as part of the future energy mix,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Partnerships are instrumental for advancing modern, advanced nuclear technologies, and comprehensive simulation and training capabilities will be crucial to enable capacity growth in nuclear power as part of the future energy ecosystem.”
As part of the MoU and in order to optimize productivity, safety and operational efficiency, ABB will be able to supply automation, electrification and digitalization solutions to non-critical areas of nuclear facilities, as well as long-term service support through ABB Care to end users and reactor technology providers. SimGenics will be able to provide critical solutions, including engineering, training and DCS check-out simulators – to develop dynamic process models that mimic the behavior of various types of nuclear power plants. The ABB Ability™ System 800xA Simulator can then integrate these process models within control system infrastructures, to create a realistic simulator.
“Simulators have a crucial role to play in advancing nuclear energy,” said Francois Laubscher, Chief Operating Officer of SimGenics. “We look forward to collaborating with ABB to harness its automation, electrification and digital expertise to support the safe and productive operations that are required within the nuclear and power generation industries.”
Engineering and training simulators serve as virtual environments where solutions can be tested and refined in safe and developmental scenarios, enabling the nuclear energy workforce to develop operational skillsets using collaborative technology. Simulators can help reduce risk, prevent equipment failure and unplanned plant shutdowns and identify potential operational issues early4.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
1 https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-new-pathway-test-advanced-reactors
2 https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/nuclear-energy-uranium/nuclear-energy
3 https://smractionplan.ca/
4 https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/TE-1963web.pdf
