In addition, FROG welcomed as a new member the Dutch utility EPZ, which operates the Borssele pressurized water reactor.
"We are pleased that EPZ has joined FROG," said Catherine Cornand, Senior Eecuitive Vice President of the Installed Base BU. "This nuclear community capitalizes on Framatome's OEM* expertise, which helps us provide our customers with solutions to their operating challenges. Nuclear operators use FROG as a forum to discuss issues amongst themselves and call upon the support of experts from Framatome."
"For Borssele, which is the only nuclear power plant in the Netherlands, being able to share our experience as an operator is very important," commented Andre de Jong, Team Leader Engineering, EPZ. "Borssele will be in operation for 60 years and aims to continue running beyond that date. Our teams have to maintain their skills and learn from the experience of the global nuclear industry."
Created in 1991, FROG, the Framatome Owners Group, is an international network facilitated by the Framatome teams. Its members include operators of reactors designed by Framatome as well as operators whose reactors are equipped with Framatome components. Since 2018, FROG has extended the areas of study covered by its working groups to the specifics of EPR design.
With the arrival of EPZ this year, it now has nine full members plus a number of associate members participating in some of the research and innovation programs led by FROG.
FROG currently represents 120 reactors worldwide, equivalent to over a quarter of the world's fleet.
Since its creation in 1991, FROG has initiated 47 key research and engineering programs for the nuclear industry.
* Original Equipment Manufacturer
> Find out more: FROG website