Ensuring the full lifecycle availability of nuclear plant systems is critical for power generation and therefore revenue. To avoid operational downtime and safety risks, the challenge of aging and obsolete systems and their parts require a proactive sustainment strategy. Ultra Energy's ‘risk-based obsolescence and aging management’ (ROAM) program provides an effective solution to this challenge.
By implementing ROAM, operators of nuclear power plants mitigate risks and ensure their systems remain safe, operational and productive. Here, we detail how ROAM's three-step approach— Review, Sustain, and Extend— enable nuclear facilities to adapt and thrive.
Addressing obsolescence in nuclear power plants
Aging systems is a reality for all nuclear plants. Over time, components and systems degrade, suppliers discontinue parts, and technology becomes obsolete. Without timely intervention, this can lead to operational downtime, increased costs, and safety risks. Our program is designed to ensure full-term system availability by adopting a long-term, risk-based strategy.
Step 1: Review
The first step in ROAM is a detailed review of the plant’s assets to craft a tailored obsolescence and aging management strategy.
The review includes asset cataloguing, obsolescence and aging evaluation, technology assessment, gap analysis and risk prioritization.
Deliverables from this phase enable owners to understand the current state of their equipment, prioritize needs, and implement a risk-based approach.
Step 2: Sustain
Maintaining efficiency demands a robust sustainment program. The sustain phase of ROAM helps nuclear plants manage assets effectively, ensuring that existing systems perform reliably for as long as required. Initiatives include inventory management, performance monitoring, component repairs, obsolescence mitigation and knowledge management.
Sustainment is not just about repairs— it reflects Ultra Energy’s commitment to embedding efficiency into the operations of nuclear plants, while meeting regulatory requirements.
Step 3: Extend
The final stage of the ROAM program focuses on building resilience for decades ahead. By refurbishing, replacing, or redesigning critical components, Ultra Energy ensures nuclear plants can continue safe and reliable operations into the future.
- Forward procurement: secure lifetime inventory to address potential supply chain risks.
- Substitution and reverse engineering: develop alternatives for unavailable parts or re-engineer components to match original specifications.
- Remanufacturing: build new equipment to the original design and standards, ensuring compatibility and safety.
- Component redesign: develop modern replacements for obsolete systems, leveraging current technologies to optimize performance while adhering to updated standards.
For instance, Ultra Energy’s success in redesigning high-integrity nucleonic instrumentation for EDF Energy’s fleet of aging nuclear plants generated highly reliable, forward-facing solutions.
ROAM is the gold standard
With nearly seven decades of experience in supporting nuclear operations, Ultra Energy is a trusted partner for power plant operators worldwide. ROAM incorporates both technical expertise and strategic foresight, underpinned by the following commitments:
- Proven track record: Ultra Energy has managed 7,000 system components, repaired 500 items annually, and secured 37 years’ worth of stock for specialized clients like EDF Energy.
- Technical innovation: our program is continually refined to incorporate the latest advancements in materials and technologies.
- Expert Team: dedicated SQEP resources and training ensure that every project benefits from world-class expertise.
- Sustainability focus: ROAM minimizes waste by extending the life of existing assets and future-proofing critical systems.
Long-term safety and sustainability
The challenge of operating nuclear power plants are complex and multifaceted. Aging infrastructure, shifting regulatory landscapes, and evolving technologies demand proactive solutions. Ultra Energy provides a focused, risk-driven approach to asset management, combining expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to safety.
Whether your plant requires a comprehensive review, tailored sustainment strategies, or critical system upgrades, ROAM provides reliability and peace of mind.
Keep your plant prepared for the future
To equip your plant for the future while safeguarding its reliability, efficiency, and safety, partner with Ultra Energy. Learn how ROAM can tailor solutions for your facility by connecting with our experts today.