The KWU Convoy concept: Expectations and achievements during project implementation

Kraftwerk Union established the Convoy concept in 1980. For a series of successive nuclear power plants, the procedure provided for uniform planning using identical software and hardware for all site-independent areas. In a few weeks the first plants will be brought to initial criticality. Enough information is therefore available to allow a review of the success of the Convoy concept. This concept features: (a) detailed preliminary planning prior to commencement of construction, (b) reduction of the engineering effort per plant, (c) streamlining of specifications and procedures, (d) sharing of tasks between authorized inspection agencies, (e) economical manufacture of large numbers of identical components, (f) rationalization of the licensing procedure. The successful implementation of this concept is illustrated by numerous examples. As a consequence, construction schedules and costs have been stabilized, and, in some cases, reduced and the favourable economics of nuclear power plants assured. Today the Convoy plants are between three and seven months ahead of schedule. (author). 10 figs