Westinghouse Electric Company has signed a contract with Dominion Energy to design, engineer and manufacture six replacement steam generators for Surry nuclear power station in Virginia in the USA.

The Surry units began commercial operation in the early 1970s (Image: Dominion)

The deal anticipates the steam generators being delivered from 2028 for installation beginning in 2029. The replacements support Dominion's Subsequent Licence Renewal programme to extend the lifetime of Surry units 1 and 2 into the 2050s. It follows a 2021 contract between Dominion and Westinghouse for a major Instrumentation & Control upgrade.

The steam generators will be fabricated at Westinghouse's facility in Monfalcone, Italy, and are based on the company's original F-Series units, with "multiple enhancements to maintain an industry leading best in-service performance".

Dan Stoddard, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at Dominion, said: "Our long-term partnership with Westinghouse supports our efforts to extend Surry’s nuclear energy production for decades to come. Our Surry nuclear station operates year-round at more than 93% capacity, providing our customers with around-the-clock clean, reliable, and affordable energy."

Dan Sumner, president of operating plant services for Westinghouse, said: "These industry-leading steam generators will help Dominion deliver safe and efficient nuclear energy into the middle of the 21st century. We are proud to continue supporting Dominion’s modernisation efforts."

In 2021, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved an application by Dominion Energy for a 20-year extension to the operating licences of the two Surry units, enabling the pressurised water reactors to each operate for 80 years, until 2052 and 2053 respectively.

Surry 1 began commercial operation in 1972 and Surry 2 in 1973, and were originally licensed to operate for 40 years. The units' licences were renewed for 20 additional years of operation in March 2003 before the subsequent renewal. They provide carbon-free energy for 420,000 homes.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News