Digital Modernization of Plant Protection Systems

Nuclear utilities in the U.S. are pursuing major digital modernization projects to the existing fleet of reactors to sustain long-term operations. The NRC in coordination with stakeholders have made significant changes to the regulatory infrastructure to support industry's implementation of digital instrumentation and controls (I&C) upgrades. In recent years, several applicants have either submitted license amendment requests for digital modernization projects, or engaged the NRC staff to prepare for future applications. This panel will discuss current digital I&C modernization activities, implementation successes and challenges, and associated regulatory insights. The panel will also discuss their vision and potential technical and regulatory challenges for integrating current plant controls and safety systems into all-digital modern control rooms.