European nuclear power plants are being developed with an international team
New nuclear power plants are currently being planned in many European countries. In addition, there are about 150 reactors in the European power plant fleet that need continuous maintenance and development. This keeps our international nuclear team busy.
Europe is experiencing a resurgence of nuclear power. Nuclear power already produces about 40 per cent of Europe’s fossil-free energy, and both conventional and modular SMR (small modular reactors) are being planned, in which Finland and Sweden are among the pioneers.
Our nuclear power experts are involved in almost all nuclear power projects in Sweco’s operating countries. Nuclear power is being developed in Finland, Sweden, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Poland, for example. The potential of nuclear power is also being explored in Norway, where there are no nuclear reactors yet.
The situation is similar globally, and more than 60 new reactors are under construction around the world. In Asia, there are many projects in China and India, for example. In North America, on the other hand, tech giants such as Amazon have recognized the need for electrical energy required by the development of artificial intelligence, which can be met with nuclear power.
International nuclear power engineering – the best nuclear power expertise from different countries
Projects are at different stages in different countries, and many varied nuclear power technologies are in use. Therefore, the nuclear power industry requires wide-ranging expertise, and the only way to meet this need is with an international team. All projects are international, regardless of the target country.
Finland has an important role in finding suitable designers and consultants. If, for example, Belgium needs special expertise in lead-cooled SMR reactors, we will search for suitable experts in Sweden. On the other hand, top experts in strength analyses, explosion simulations, and other demanding calculations can often be found in Finland.
Sustainability consultants involved in nuclear power plant design
An extensive network of experts is particularly important in the design of new nuclear power plants. In the early stages of projects, mastering nuclear power technology alone is not enough, but Sweco offers soil surveys and environmental impact assessments, for example, in the preliminary planning of projects.
In addition, nuclear power projects require communication and, increasingly, sustainability consulting. We rely on the special expertise of Sweco’s sustainability consultants in all matters related to sustainable construction. Sustainable development is a broad topic, and responsibility encompasses much more than environmental accountability.
The service life of nuclear power plants will be extended in a controlled manner
The European fleet of power plants consists of about 150 reactors that need constant maintenance and development. A significant part of our construction, electrical, automation, and mechanical designers work on maintenance projects for existing nuclear power plants. Often, the goal is to double the original service life of about 30 years.
The maintenance of nuclear power plants involves challenges that are difficult to compare with other industrial sectors. In nuclear power plants, all components are specialized parts that are not designed to be easily replaced. If the life cycle of a power plant is doubled, almost every part will need to be replaced at least once. Replacing turbines, process piping equipments, Automation system I/0 cards, or even cranes can take years.
The replacement of each special component begins with the search for approved product suppliers. The supply is limited, and the process is multi-stage. For example, at the outset, you need to ensure that suppliers meet high standards on-site. Additionally, authorities are involved in ensuring and approving that every step of the planning process is accounted for and documented.
50 years of experience in nuclear power
Behind every nuclear power plant, there is a large group of experts who do work that is invisible to the general public daily. We have more than 50 years of experience in nuclear power, and together with highly competent plant organizations and authorities, we support the use of both new and existing reactors in a long-term and systematic manner.
Ask more about our nuclear power expertise!
Ville-Veikko Karhunen, Area Manager – Industry & Energy, Sweco Eastern Finland Offices and Sweco Nuclear Business Lead, ville-veikko.karhunen@sweco.fi