Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand digital partnering with Bruce Power.
Image: Bruce Power and Rolls-Royce expand digital partnering. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.
In a move that supports Bruce Power’s vision of providing reliable electricity to Ontario until 2064, Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding to be Bruce Power’s digital partner.
This new agreement expands the two companies’ current T-104 program, which has exceeded its value delivery targets since starting in 2017. Rolls-Royce and Bruce Power will now collaborate more deeply to blend their skills and use leading industrial technologies to improve the reliability and cost effectiveness of maintenance at Bruce Power’s eight Ontario units.
Andy Collyer, Executive Vice President of Rolls-Royce Canada’s Ontario-based nuclear business, said: “Our vision is to bring our international expertise to Port Elgin to collaborate with Bruce Power so it can generate more power for longer. This connects with Mike Rencheck’s passion for the sustainable future of Bruce Power and its community, as demonstrated by his announcement of the Ontario Nuclear Innovation Institute (ONII).”
Frank Saunders, Bruce Power’s executive lead for the ONII, said: “Bruce Power is pursuing technology innovation as an opportunity to drive ongoing efficiency improvements in our business and to advance new capabilities in areas of public interest such as human health, waste minimization and environmental protection. We are thrilled that Rolls-Royce will join with us in this effort and look forward to an effective and rewarding collaboration.”
Rolls-Royce technology finds new ways to improve the availability and efficiency of nuclear power stations, for example by identifying potential equipment failures before they occur.
The Rolls-Royce team draws on its specialist R2 Data Labs business unit, experts that have boosted value to their customers of jet engine and power systems using advanced data analytics, industrial artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. It develops data applications that unlock design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies, and creates new service propositions for customers and partners.
Andy Collyer said: “Our technology gathers huge amounts of data created during the day-to-day operations of a nuclear power plant. When we then analyse that using data science, it gives us an incredibly clear picture of where new improvements can be found. For power station operators, the resulting picture of their operations is the equivalent of upgrading a TV from standard definition to 4K – you see every detail of what’s going on.
“Together with Bruce Power, we’ve achieved a lot already but this is only the tip of the iceberg. We’re really excited that this new agreement is going to take our collaboration to a new level.”
Rolls-Royce has also agreed to be a charter partner to Bruce Power’s recently announced Ontario Nuclear Innovation Institute, leading on its artificial intelligence hub to build new skills in this developing area of advanced data science.
Announced by chief executive officer, Mike Rencheck on 16th May, the ONII will be a cornerstone of Bruce County’s socio-economic future, harnessing Bruce Power’s supply chain to help Ontario’s families and businesses create opportunities to remain competitive and prosper in the wider economy.
Andy Collyer said: “Our hope is that we can go further with the sustainability of the region by giving artificial intelligence the profile it needs within the ONII so that the people of Bruce County can be at the cutting edge of this technology as it hits the industrial mainstream in the next few years.”
Source: Company Press Release