New Steam Generators Help Extend Operation of Surry Nuclear Power Plant

Introduction

Dominion Energy has announced plans to replace the steam generators at its Surry Nuclear Power Station in Virginia, as part of its Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) program. This project is aimed at extending the long-term operation of Surry Units 1 and 2 through 2052 and 2053, respectively, when the units’ current licenses expire.

Steam Generator Replacement

Westinghouse Electric Co. has been chosen to design and manufacture the replacement steam generators for the Surry Nuclear Power Station. The delivery of the new steam generators is expected to start in 2028, with installation scheduled to begin in 2029. The steam generators will be fabricated at the Westinghouse Italy (WEI) facility in Monfalcone, Italy.

The replacement steam generators will be based on Westinghouse’s original F-series units, but they will feature multiple enhancements to maintain an industry-leading best in-service performance. Dominion Energy aims to ensure reliable operation through the plant’s license term with the installation of these new steam generators.

About Surry Nuclear Power Station

The Surry Power Station is home to three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactors (PWRs) capable of providing 1,676 MW, which accounts for approximately 15% of Dominion Energy’s electricity demand. Originally licensed to operate for 40 years, the Surry units had their licenses renewed for an additional 20 years of operation in 2003, allowing them to operate until 2032 and 2033, respectively.

In May 2021, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved Dominion Energy’s application to extend the operating licenses of Surry’s units for an additional 20 years, pushing the new end dates to 2052 and 2053.

1. Surry’s Unit 1 and 2, located near Newport News, Virginia, are three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactors (PWRs) that began operation in December 1972 and May 1973. Courtesy: Dominion Energy

Importance of Steam Generators

In pressurized water reactors (PWRs) like those at the Surry Power Station, steam generators play a crucial role in separating the radioactively contaminated primary system from the non-contaminated secondary system. They facilitate the transfer of heat from the reactor’s primary coolant to the water in the secondary system, producing high-pressure steam that drives a turbine and generates electricity.

Westinghouse’s Statement

Westinghouse President of Operating Plant Services, Dan Sumner, emphasized the significance of the industry-leading steam generators in delivering safe and efficient nuclear energy well into the middle of the 21st century. He stated that the new steam generators will support Dominion Energy’s efforts to provide clean and reliable power to customers.

2. Westinghouse CEO Patrick Fragman (left) and Dominion Energy CEO Bob Blue (right) met Monday, May 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Source: Business Wire

Continued Partnership

Westinghouse and Dominion Energy have a long-term partnership in place, supporting Surry’s nuclear energy production for decades to come. This project follows a previous deal between the two companies for a major instrumentation and control (I&C) upgrade.

Westinghouse’s CEO, Patrick Fragman, expressed pride in continuing to support Dominion’s modernization efforts, ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of Surry Nuclear Power Station.

Previous Steam Generator Repair Program

In the history of Surry Power Station, major steam generator work had been conducted before. On June 1, 1981, repairs were completed to address tube degradation caused by corrosion-related phenomena and to restore the integrity of the steam generators to a level equivalent to new equipment.

The repair program involved replacing the lower-shell assemblies with new ones and adding new moisture separation equipment to the upper-shell assemblies. Several pieces of reactor coolant piping, feedwater piping, main steam piping, and the steam generator had to be cut and refurbished for reinstallation after the installation of the new lower shell.

Additionally, several major changes were made at that time to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

Dominion Energy’s plan to replace the steam generators at Surry Nuclear Power Station is a significant step in extending the operation of the plant through the middle of the 21st century. The partnership with Westinghouse and the installation of industry-leading steam generators will ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient production of clean nuclear energy for decades to come.

The Surry Power Station’s operation at over 93% capacity demonstrates its commitment to providing around-the-clock clean, reliable, and affordable energy to customers.