IBM nuclear power center opens in France

IBM is opening a center in France for improved design, construction, safety and operation of nuclear power plants. The Global Center of Excellence for Nuclear Power in La Gaude focuses on IBM software, hardware, consulting, and services industry offerings. Eighty percent of France’s power comes from nuclear plants.

“France possesses world-class expertise in the area of nuclear power,” said Frederic Bauchot, Lead Architect, IBM Center of Excellence for Nuclear Power. "Establishment of the Center enables IBM to utilize not only local IBM talent and experience in nuclear systems design and implementation, but also advanced skills of a leading nuclear power market.”

Based in the IBM Industry Solutions Center already in La Gaude, the Global Center of Excellence for Nuclear Power will also capitalize on IBM’s experience in the deployment and modeling of nuclear equipment in nearby Cadarache, site of the International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor fusion project.

The new center joins IBM’s global network of centers and research labs focused on the Energy & Utilities Industry. These include IBM Industry Solution Centers in Dallas, Texas, Tokyo and Beijing, as well as the IBM Austin Research Lab in Texas.

“Today, there are more than 30 countries worldwide operating nuclear reactors for electricity generation. In these countries, nuclear power plant license extensions and new plant construction are driving the need for sophisticated risk modeling and information tools that ensure safe and reliable operations,” said Guido Bartels, General Manager, IBM Global Energy and Utilities Industry.