Case Study: CNAT achieves higher power output and 10-year regulatory approval with GSE TrueNorth

Utility Increases Power Levels to Achieve Additional Electrical Output and 10 Year Regulatory Approval

CNAT, which operates the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant in Spain, wanted to implement an 8% Extended Power Uprate at both units but needed a cost-effective way to prove it would be acceptable to the regulator. GSE Solutions, using its TrueNorth Power Output Analysis solution, helped address the reduced instrument uncertainty concerns tied to the reactor thermal power calculation.

GSE Solutions reviewed licensing and plant documentation, modeled expected measurements with PEPSE, validated uncertainty assumptions, and supported the power ascension with ongoing comparisons between actual and predicted readings. The approach enabled regulator approval, allowed both units to operate at higher power while maintaining reduced measurement uncertainty, and secured a 10-year license extension with additional electrical output.

Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo