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GSE Signs Contract to Build Simulation Models for a First-of-a KindNuclear Reactor Design

^{Published on 2008-11-18 09:56:20 - Market Wire}
 

SYKESVILLE, Md.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--GSE Systems, Inc. (GSE) (Amex:GVP), a leading global provider of real-time simulation and training solutions to the power, process, manufacturing and Government sectors, announced today that it was awarded a contract from NuScale Power, Inc. to develop simulation models for its novel, first-of-a-kind nuclear power plant.

NuScale Power, Inc., through work performed at Oregon State University and the Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, has designed a small, scalable light water nuclear reactor design for multiple purposes from electricity generation to producing steam needed for industrial applications. NuScale notified the NRC in February 2008 of its intent to pursue Design Certification for its technology. The company is in the pre-application review phase with the NRC and is on track to file its formal request for Design Certification in early 2010.

The concept of a small (45 Megawatt electric), safe, and scalable reactor that can be located near the consumer's industrial site is receiving growing attention in the U.S. and abroad. NuScale's design has several advantages versus more traditional reactor designs that include an inherently safe design using natural circulation, a scalable configuration that provides the exact amount of energy needed, and the ability to produce the entire plant in the USA.

The reactor module, consisting of the containment vessel and its contents, can be entirely fabricated at existing manufacturing facilities in the U.S. As a result, construction can be done on a significantly compressed schedule. The design also allows for a single facility to have just one or up to 24 units. In a multi-module plant, one unit can be taken out of service without affecting the operation of the others. More information on NuScale is available on their web site at [ www.nuscalepower.com ].

GSE's simulation models will be used in NuScale's design certification process, including design analysis, and control system strategy and plant procedure development. Eventually the simulation models would form the basis for a full scope operator training system to license the operators of these new plants.

John V. Moran, GSE's Chief Executive Officer, said, "NuScale Power is addressing an important component of this nation's and the global quest for clean energy solutions. We are very pleased to have been selected for another first-of-a-kind nuclear plant simulation project. We have already been selected and are working on a number of novel nuclear plant designs including the new AP1000 plant by Westinghouse, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor by PBMR Ltd, of South Africa and the VVER1000 plant being developed in Russia. The selection by NuScale Power is another validation of our technology being applied to leading edge nuclear applications."

GSE Systems, Inc. provides training simulators and educational solutions. The Company has over three decades of experience, over 343 installations, and 100 customers in more than 40 countries. Our software, hardware and integrated training solutions leverage proven technologies to deliver real-world business advantages to the energy, process, manufacturing and government sectors worldwide. GSE Systems is headquartered in Sykesville, Maryland. Our global locations include offices in St. Marys, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Sweden; and China. Information about GSE Systems is available via the Internet at [ http://www.gses.com ].