Reactors and Services outlook and challenges

A range of reactors suited to the requirements of the market

AREVA offers a diverse range of reactors from 1,100 to 1,650 MWe for pressurized water (PWR) and boiling water (BWR) power plants.

• EPR™ reactor: a Generation III+ PWR producing 1,650 MWe. Four EPR™ reactors are under construction around the world and one is on order.

• ATMEA1 reactor: Generation III+ PWR producing 1,100 MWe. This reactor is designed and developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
• KERENA reactor: Generation III+ BWR producing 1,250 MWe. This reactor is designed and developed in partnership with the German power company E.ON.

This range of reactors offers a spread of power levels (from 1,100 MWe to 1,650 MWe) and provides technological solutions matched to the diverse requirements of customers. The EPR™ reactor, the most powerful, is intended for countries which have large electricity requirements and a high performance power grid. The other, less powerful reactors, are better suited to countries with lower energy requirements and a less developed infrastructure.

AREVA also designs and supplies high technology systems and equipment for ship propulsion nuclear reactors and low power nuclear reactors for training, research, and nuclear medicinal purposes.

Supply chain security in the construction and replacement components markets

In step with expected dynamism in the nuclear market, AREVA is adapting and modernizing its industrial facilities and forming strategic partnerships with major players in the energy market.

Its aim is to offer its customers efficient and reliable procurement processes during the construction of their nuclear power plants. 

• The Chalon/Saint-Marcel (large components), Jeumont (mobile equipment) and Le Creusot (forged parts) plants have increased their production capacity significantly and pushed ahead with modernization programs.
• AREVA and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation, have decided to create jointly a new heavy components manufacturing and engineering site together in Newport News (Virginia). This site will fulfill the requirements of the rapidly expanding American nuclear sector. Project construction began in 2009.
• The group has signed contracts with Sandvik and Valinox for the supply of steam generator tubes.
• AREVA and Japan Steel Works (JSW) have signed a long term partnership agreement to secure the provision of forged spares for large forged components until 2016.

Strengthening its leading position in services, nuclear equipment, and nuclear measurement

Currently the leader in the nuclear services market, AREVA intends to further develop its expertise in this sector. Its efforts are oriented around an innovative integrated services model, which enables electric utilities to:

• modernize power plants, by renewing command & control infrastructure,
• improve the reliability and productivity of existing power plants,
• reduce costs while maintaining maximum safety,
• fulfill safety, security, and monitoring obligations at nuclear installations.

In order to meet projected future increases in demand, the group is strengthening and re-structuring its engineering resources. A major recruitment drive is now underway worldwide.

Innovating to design future generation reactors

AREVA is taking part in national and international research and development programs to design the next generation IV and V reactors.

• 4^th Generation sodium cooled fast neutron reactors are being developed with EDF and the Atomic Energy Commission.
• Participation in work on the future 5^th generation reactor, ITER.
• Future ship propulsion systems.

Within the scope of the Group’s research and development policy, the global R&D investment in 2009 was close to 10.4% of AREVA’s total sales revenue.