Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Adopts AREVA Technology for Filtered Containment Venting Systems to Improve Safety of Nuclear Power Plants in Japan

Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. (Hitachi-GE) and AREVA today announced that they have reached an agreement aimed at improving the safety of nuclear power plants through the delivery of filtered containment venting systems (FCVS). The two companies intend to work together, including the adoption by Hitachi-GE of AREVA technology for the design, fabrication, and installation of these components. They will be used for the boiling water reactors (BWR) in Japan.

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, Hitachi-GE has stepped up its efforts to improve the safety of nuclear power plants, and AREVA has already installed FCVS in more than 50 plants worldwide. Hitachi GE has been working with AREVA to study the functions and performance of FCVS suitable for installation at BWR nuclear power plants in Japan.

This partnership combines AREVA’s technology, experience, and know-how in FCVS with Hitachi-GE’s extensive technology, experience, and know-how about BWR nuclear power plants in Japan to adapt FCVS and achieve early delivery for these plants.

FCVS, a solution for enhancing the safety of nuclear power plants, plays an important role in preventing damage to primary containment vessel (PCV) due to pressure rises in situations where severe damage has occurred to the reactor, such as following an event that goes far beyond the design basis event criteria. FCVS is also a filtering system for removing the radioactive material throughout different high efficient filter stages.

In addition to its ongoing role in the resolution of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the rehabilitation of surrounding areas, Hitachi Group also intends to continue contributing to society through the supply of solutions that improve the safety and reliability of BWR nuclear power plants, so that they can ensure the stable supply of electric power.

AREVA has established the worldwide “Nuclear Safety Alliance program” in 2011 to provide qualified solution to enhance nuclear safety of the power plants to mitigate severe accident conditions. 85 projects have been launched in 16 countries for 42 nuclear utilities.