Innovative Flexblue concept: DCNS and partners Areva, CEA and EDF to conduct validation study »

By Marco Punhal
21 January 2011

A DCNS-designed Flexblue small nuclear reactor is pictured anchored 60m deep under the sea. Such a nuclear powerplant could provide a between 50 to 250 MWe electric output. designed to be installed on the seafloor off the coast of maritime nations. © DCNS

Paris, France, 20 January 2011 — DCNS is a world leader in naval defence, but it is now about to become an innovative player in energy. The French company is not only a shipyard, it also designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. It recently launched in Brazil a joint-venture with Odebrecht to produce the future Scorpene attack submarines of the Marinha do Brasil and the prototype of Brazil's first nuclear attack submarine.

Last but not least, DCNS offers a range of solutions in civil nuclear engineering and marine renewable energy. DCNS is committed to sustainable development and was one of the first defence contractors to achieve Group-wide certification to ISO 14001 now the world standard for clean industrial process. The Group employs 12,000 people and generates annual revenues of around €2.4 billion.

Flexblue : a diminuitive nuclear reactor

In response to the challenges of rising global energy demand and renewed interest in nuclear power – which reduces greenhouse gas emissions while conserving fossil fuels – the potential of small- and medium-sized reactors (SMRs) is under study in the United States, Japan, Russia and other countries led primarily by companies with experience in nuclear propulsion. France has proven expertise in the relevant technologies, SMR design and construction, system integration and fuel R&D.

Areva, the world leader in nuclear energy, has launched a programme to study small reactors rated at 100 MWe with a view to rounding out its range of third-generation reactors comprising the EPR, Atmea and Kerena types. This study will draw on Areva’s expertise in small shipboard reactors to assess the product’s feasibility and market potential. DCNS, for its part, has announced its innovative Flexblue concept following preliminary studies lasting over two years. Flexblue is a small nuclear power plant producing 50 to 250 MWe designed to be installed on the seafloor off the coast of maritime nations.

A new concept

Flexblue is based on proven technologies that draw on DCNS’s 40 years’ experience in nuclear propulsion and submarine power plants built under Areva Technicatome prime contractorship. It combines the inherent benefits of SMRs, including phased investment and ready tailoring to demandand features standard subsystems integrated at shipyards and shipped to the installation site by sea. Both EDF and Areva have expressed interest in Flexblue’s modularity and standardisation. France is setting up detailed studies to position the country as a leading player in SMRs. DCNS will work with AREVA, EDF and the CEA on the next phase of Flexblue development. This will include detailed reviews of:

1.     technical and production options

2.     market potential

3.     Flexblue’s competitive standing compared with other sources of energy

4.     nuclear proliferation issues

5.     safety and security aspects of seafloor power plants with a view to demonstrating that Flexblue offers a level of safety comparable with that of third-generation land-based nuclear power plants.

These studies are expected to take two years.

Escorted by a Gowind corvette, a Flexblue SMR is being transported to its final location at sea. © DCNS

Technical data

Hull shape: cylindrical
Length (approx.): 100 m
Diameter (approx.): 12 - 15 m
Power: 50 - 250 MWe
Design concept: small nuclear reactor + steam turbine-alternator set + electrical equipment (electricity to be carried to coast by submarine power cables) Mass (approx.): 12,000 tonnes
Siting: seafloor moorings at a depth of 60 to 100 m, a few km off coast.

Source: DCNS

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