Alstom inks agreement with EDF to renovate generators

Tuesday, 21 Oct 2008

Alstom has signed a framework agreement with EDF for the renovation of 900 MW and 1,300 MW generators in its nuclear power plants. The orders coming from this contract will run for duration of 10 years and will reach a total amount of more than EUR 140 million.

With unique expertise in conventional islands for nuclear power plants, Alstom Power Service units in La Courneuve and Belfort will provide comprehensive project management, including conceptual design, parts supply and site work. The first generators rewinds are planned for 2010 at Belleville and Chooz nuclear power plants.

Alstom is a long standing partner of EDF and has delivered the entire fleet of turbo generators installed in its nuclear power plants. To ensure over the long term its nuclear production, EDF has called upon Alstom to renovate its equipment base. The EDF nuclear base consists in 58 nuclear reactors, located at nineteen different sites, generating from 900 MW to 1,500 MW of electrical power per unit.

Alstom offers innovative solutions to respond to its customers' quality and performance needs. The renovated generators will benefit from advanced technology upgrades, such as new stator bars based on hollow, stainless steel conductors. This innovative solution will ease the constraints associated with using copper, simplify maintenance and improve the units' availability.