VVProPrépa: how virtual reality is supporting maintenance of the nuclear fleet

VVProPrépa is a virtual reality tool that uses video gaming technology to provide highly-detailed tours of reactor buildings using maps, panoramic photos, laser scans and 3D models.

The main advantage of this is that it makes it easier to prepare and train maintenance workers: they can move around the building in complete safety and plan in advance the steps they need to carry out for their work. By using VVProPrépa, the company can save time and improve the efficiency of its maintenance programmes for nuclear power plants.

The challenge for EDF Group is to cut outage times to a minimum for all its power plants, especially during the ”Grand Carénage” programme – a major overhaul of its fleet – designed to extend the life of the plants to 60 years and beyond. Initially developed by EDF’s R&D Division, VVProPrépa is currently being deployed across the whole French nuclear reactor fleet by the Nuclear Generation Division.