Worldgrid, an Eviden business, and Schneider Electric will deliver standard control systems
Eviden (Atos Group), through its Worldgrid business specializing in energy management solutions and nuclear control systems, and Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, today announced the signing of a major contract with EDF. The two groups will deliver standard Level 1 control systems for six planned EDF nuclear power plants (EPR2) as part of the plan to revive the nuclear industry announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
As EDF recently announced that it has initiated the necessary authorization procedures to begin construction of the first two EPR2 units in Penly, Normandy, scheduled for mid-2024, Worldgrid (Eviden) and Schneider Electric are starting work on the design, qualification, and development of future standard Level 1 control systems for the respective nuclear units.
Under this contract, Worldgrid, from its ISERAN campus in the Grenoble region, will be responsible for the integration and programming of PLCs (programmable logic controllers), as well as for producing all software required to automate the conversion of control function diagrams into PLC programs. Schneider Electric, from its engineering office based in Aix-en-Provence, will be responsible for supplying the hardware infrastructure built around the M580 PLC (nuclear range), meeting the required level of qualification in terms of nuclear safety. Manufacturing will be carried out at Schneider Electric’s facilities in France. This control system will enable EDF to efficiently operate and monitor its nuclear reactors, ensuring high availability and full safety.
“We are proud to contribute to the revival of nuclear energy in France! This major contract highlights our 45 years of experience in command and control of nuclear facilities. By working with other European companies on this project, we are helping to maintain Europe’s sovereignty in nuclear energy, which is essential to support the transition to a low-carbon energy mix over the coming years,” explains Emmanuel Besse, CEO of Worldgrid, Eviden, Atos Group.
“As development and manufacturing are carried out at our sites in southeastern France, Schneider Electric is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with the French nuclear industry, helping to make France’s energy mix more sustainable and low-carbon,” says Laurent Bataille, Executive Vice President of Schneider Electric for operations in France.
As the French nuclear industry regains momentum, it is essential to recruit new talent to ensure its success. Numerous initiatives are being implemented at Worldgrid, which plans to hire 150 people in 2023, 50% of them in the nuclear sector, and will continue this trend over the next five years. Schneider Electric is also working to strengthen its nuclear teams, where dozens of positions are currently open.