Electrical and I and C systems in German nuclear power plants. Safe and highly available until the end of operating life time

The electrical and I and C components of German nuclear power plants often have been in operation for more than 30 years at high availability levels. This has to be maintained for the remaining operating time of the plants according to the 13th amendment of the German Atomic Act. The resulting challenges are huge: plant availability is more important than ever, facing the end of nuclear production by 2022. The support by vendors consequently declined drastically. Plant operators take the challenge on a solid base: the accumulated operating experiences is rarely found in other branches of industry. (orig.)