Cable Solutions for the Nuclear power industry

PRYSMIAN GROUP | NUCLEAR CABLES Nuclear Cables Three main principles drive the development of nuclear power: security of energy supplies, environmental safety and cost efficiency. These have always been Prysmian Group’s main focus in the development of cables for nuclear power stations. Nuclear power plants consist of various areas that differ by ambient temperature, radiation-related risks and relevance for the overall system security: the Nuclear Island, where reactor and safety systems are located; the Conventional Island, where the turbines that generate electricity are installed; and the Building Block (Balance of Plant or BOP) that comprises of all power plant’s supporting components and auxiliary systems needed to deliver the energy, other than the generating unit. The environmental conditions in the first two operating areas are severe and persistent over time and many of the components that are critical for the safe and efficient operation of a nuclear power plant, including cables, are permanently exposed to such harsh conditions. Metals are not affected by such exposure, but organic polymeric compounds undergo oxidization, due to the combined action of oxygen, high temperature and gamma radiation. In cables, the deterioration of polymeric layers does not guarantee the consistently high levels of safety and reliability that are required throughout a cable’s operation life cycle, usually 60 years. In order to tackle this technical challenge, Prysmian Group offers the highest standards of reliability and safety, developed over more than 50 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing nuclear cables both in the USA and in Europe and R&D centres specifically dedicated to nuclear cables development. The Paris Climate Change Conference Agreement resulted into the declaration in favour of the consolidation of efforts of the signatory countries to create a green energy future. When referring to eco-friendly power, solar, wind and hydroelectric are the most widely acknowledged sources and nuclear is usually left out. Nuclear power, instead, is an undeniable component of a green energy mix and can make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable energy goals and enhancing energy security. It is a reliable and predictable source of electricity and supports economic development by providing “clear conditions” that may be forecast up to 60 years in advance. It also offers “low volatility” because the “commodity component” in the cost of energy generated by nuclear power plants is very low, below 3%.