Energy utility launches tender for nuclear safety system modernisation
Tender seeks suppliers to modernise key safety systems at a nuclear power plant, aiming to improve reliability, maintainability and regulatory compliance.
Tender seeks suppliers to modernise key safety systems at a nuclear power plant, aiming to improve reliability, maintainability and regulatory compliance.
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Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. has gone to market for a major upgrade of three core safety systems at its EMO12 nuclear power plant, using a competitive dialogue procedure to shape a solution that balances nuclear safety, plant availability and strict regulatory demands.
On 27th October 2026, Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. published a contract notice for the Modernization of Safety Systems at the EMO12 nuclear power plant. The project targets three named safety systems at the plant: SORR, SIS and CPL.
According to the notice, the modernisation has four clear objectives:
Safety systems sit at the core of safe nuclear operation, so changes of this kind have implications far beyond a standard control-system refit. Linking the upgrade directly to nuclear safety and to long-term maintainability signals that the buyer is looking for more than a like-for-like replacement. The aim appears to be a step change in performance, underpinned by predictable lifecycle support.
The reference to minimising operational disruptions is also telling. Modernising safety systems in a working nuclear unit is a complex exercise. Contractors will need to sequence works, testing and commissioning so that safety is never compromised and the plant’s operating schedule is affected as little as possible. Achieving that while introducing new technologies and meeting current technical norms will demand tight integration between engineering, safety, and operations teams.
The buyer has chosen a competitive dialogue procedure for this contract. In such procedures, the contracting authority first admits shortlisted candidates and then enters into a structured dialogue phase to explore and refine technical and commercial solutions before calling for final tenders.
Using this route for a nuclear safety upgrade suggests that the contracting authority does not want to prescribe a single detailed design at the outset. Instead, it is opening space for bidders to propose different architectures or technical concepts for the SORR, SIS and CPL systems, provided they meet nuclear safety, reliability and compliance requirements.
For suppliers, competitive dialogue usually means a more intensive interaction with the buyer than a straightforward one-stage tender. It rewards those who can demonstrate a deep understanding of nuclear safety requirements, operational constraints at EMO12 and the implications of integrating new safety systems into existing plant infrastructure.
The focus on maintainability points towards interest not only in equipment but also in support models: diagnostics, spare parts strategies, software and firmware management, and the skills needed on site. How these elements are structured through the dialogue may shape the long-term relationship between Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. and the winning supplier or consortium.
The EMO12 tender forms part of a broader wave of nuclear safety-related procurement across the region, spanning both physical systems and safety documentation.
In July 2026, Societatea Nationala NUCLEARELECTRICA S.A. published a notice for Technical Services for Nuclear Structures at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant. That contract focuses on technical evaluation, analysis and testing of nuclear safety-related structures, with detailed assessments and recommendations to support long-term performance and ageing management over a 45‑month period.
Also in August 2026, ČEZ ENERGOSERVIS spol. s r.o. launched a Qualification System for Nuclear Safety. That system is designed to establish a pool of qualified suppliers to prepare project documentation for construction works on equipment that affects nuclear safety, particularly mechanical and electrical components, in line with the relevant regulations.
On 5th October 2026, MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zártkörűen Működő Részvénytársaság went to market for an update to its Final Safety Report and for technical support to an upcoming Periodic Safety Review at the Paks nuclear power plant. That procurement concentrates on safety case documentation and on ensuring that the plant’s safety report reflects modifications and new information while remaining aligned with nuclear regulations.
Taken together, these notices show nuclear operators investing across three fronts:
For specialist suppliers, this points to sustained demand not only for hardware and integration, but also for analytical services, design support and safety documentation aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.
Modernisation of safety and control systems is not limited to nuclear plants. Energy, water and transport operators are also overhauling technical protection and automation to meet new standards for reliability and cybersecurity.
In August 2026, PLINACRO d.o.o. issued a notice for Technical Protection System Modernization, covering the delivery, installation and testing of protection equipment at specified locations, in line with detailed technical specifications. The focus there is on updated physical and technical security for gas infrastructure.
On 16th October 2026, COMPANIA NATIONALA DE TRANSPORT AL ENERGIEI ELECTRICE "TRANSELECTRICA" S.A. - STT Timişoara launched a tender for Control System Modernization at the 220/110 kV Peștiș substation. That contract covers replacement of control, command and protection equipment and associated services, reflecting the push to align transmission infrastructure with modern control standards.
Water utilities are facing similar pressures. On 11th September 2026, Zweckverband KÜHLUNG Wasserversorgung & Abwasserbeseitigung sought suppliers for the Modernization of Waterworks Automation, covering automation and network technology upgrades in waterworks and an elevated tank. That project explicitly aims to achieve NIS‑2‑compliant transformation of operational technology systems while keeping water supply disruption to a minimum.
There is also a cyber dimension to this trend. In September 2026, Strzeleckie Wodociągi i Kanalizacja Spółka z o.o. launched a contract for Cyber System Modernization, combining development of an Information Security Management System, cybersecurity training, audits and the provision of hardware and software. In August 2026, KOMENDA GŁÓWNA POLICJI went to market for a SIEM System Modernization to improve the security of the OST 112 network, including licence renewal, technical support and post‑warranty services for an existing IBM QRadar SIEM platform.
Against this backdrop, the EMO12 safety systems project stands out for its nuclear context but shares the same underlying drivers: renewed focus on safety, reliability and maintainability, and a need to align both physical and digital systems with updated legal and technical frameworks.
The EMO12 modernisation will be one to watch for both the nuclear sector and the wider safety-systems supply chain. The way Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. uses competitive dialogue should offer insight into how buyers in highly regulated infrastructure are working with the market to define solutions rather than commissioning fixed designs.
Once dialogue is underway, the balance struck between innovation and proven technology, and between ambitious performance targets and operational continuity, will shape the eventual contract. The project will also serve as a test of suppliers’ ability to combine nuclear engineering expertise with strong project delivery, lifecycle support and compliance with demanding safety standards.
For other operators planning similar upgrades, the progress of this procurement – from dialogue through to contract award and implementation – may provide a practical reference point for how to modernise critical safety systems while keeping plants online and regulators assured.
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