I&C renewal support for OL1 & OL2

Olkiluoto NPP’s units 1 and 2, both in commercial production, have consistently ranked among the top performers in international comparisons thanks to their high load factors, indicating reliable plant operation. Since the early 1990s, the average load factor of these two plant units has been around 93-97%. In comparison, global averages for nuclear power plants have typically stayed below 90%, with higher figures for modern plants compared to the older ones.

The Olkiluoto plant units 1 and 2 (BWR) have generated electricity for the needs of the Finnish society already for more than four decades. Both units have been modernized throughout their history and the same approach continues.

Picture: TVO

Case Description

Fortum’s experts have been supporting Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) from early phases of the instrumentation and control (I&C) modernization project since 2021. The objective of the project is to renew a significant proportion of reactor automation and operational automation systems.

Important basis for Fortum’s role in the project is the experience from the previous corresponding projects to Loviisa power plant and external customers. This project has involved more than 20 Fortum experts over the years ensuring continuity, quality, and progress in all key areas of the project.

Our Approach

In the beginning of the project Fortum’s support focused on project planning, preparation of I&C engineering and concept level documentation and RfQ materials to system suppliers.

As the project progressed, Fortum’s scope expanded to cover all project phases from Basic Design to Finalization, and respectively the scope of the support work widened to cover the following areas: I&C design, Apros®, control room design and human factors engineering (HFE) services.

Fortum’s services included

review of system supplier’s project plans and technical documentation
Apros® services included
- modelling of original and renewed I&C systems
- simulation and comparison of the behavior of the models
- simulation test planning, execution and reporting
- on-demand engineering support e.g. parameter tuning
engineering of control room modifications, control room layout modelling (2D/3D) and design, verification of modifications
conceptual design and verification of process computer displays
requirement specification, V&V planning and reporting related to Human Factors Engineering (HFE)

Additionally, Fortum continued to provide services in project scheduling, requirement management and configuration and change management.

Value Added

In collaboration with TVO, Fortum’s experts have supported the establishment of a solid foundation for the project. The project execution is ongoing with excellent team spirit, and the commissioning of the renewed I&C systems is planned to be completed in year 2027. However, the customer has already given feedback on the project thus far, noting professional and highly competent experts, flexible service, and keeping the tight schedules within Fortum’s scope.