Utility Gains Value by Using Integrated GSE Engineering and Training Services
OVERVIEW
Two large nuclear generating stations manufactured by a GSE partner generate about 1,600 million watts annually of safe, reliable, low-cost electricity.
GSE has been working with this utility since 2009 and was recently awarded its largest contract worth $3.0 million to deliver training services and testing updates. This large combined-capability contract for regulatory training and program engineering services is for one of their plants. this customer accepted this contract based on the value GSE can offer as an integrated services provider.
CHALLENGE
Like many utilities today, this utility struggles to keep up with the ever-changing market conditions. Increased competition for attracting nuclear talent has created a challenge for our industry to attract, develop, and, most importantly, retain our most important asset, our people. Their plant is no different and requires specific expertise to prepare for federal regulations and keep pace with evolving industry guidance.
SOLUTIONS
Training Support – In 2022, GSE was contracted to implement integrated systems training and initial licensed and non-licensed operator training programs and prepare employees for the initial examinations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This work included revising instructional materials to reflect changes in plant design, current plant practices, regulations, and operating philosophies and developing operator training and testing.
Instructor Training Programs – GSE has worked with this customer to deliver instructor boot camps and operational training for their employees. For instructors, this certification is a key component of the qualifications and the confidence needed to teach others. This program was created per ANSI-ANS 3.1 1993 selection, qualification, and personnel training for nuclear power plants. The program aimed to provide SRO equivalency certification training to personnel not previously licensed or certified in a reactor plant.
Programs Engineering – Since 2015, GSE Engineering has been supporting this customer updates to the In-Service Inspection (ISI) and In-Service Testing (IST), Containment Testing, and Equipment Qualification programs to support a fuel cycle extension from the current 18-month to a 24-month cycle to ensure all programmatic updates maintain compliance with federal codes and regulatory requirements. This includes ASME procedure writing to satisfy federal regulations and keep pace with evolving industry guidance.
GSE is also performing their plant’s required 10-Year IST Program Interval Updates.
