This is the first time MEPhI has engaged with a technology provider in this type of arrangement

 - By Stephen Heiser -

Bentley Systems and the Russian National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) , one of the most recognized technical universities in the world have signed an agreement to cooperate on nuclear power infrastructure progress. The agreement will lead to the creation of a Center of Excellence dedicated to the design, construction, operations, and maintenance lifecycle of nuclear power plants. It will enable the Russian Institute (consisting of the main campus and 22 other institutes; 9,000 professors, lecturers and staff; tens of thousands of graduates; and research teams for the Russian government) to begin teaching and/or using Bentley technology.

This is the first time MEPhI has engaged with a technology provider in this type of arrangement. MEPhI and Bentley will form a board of directors to oversee the direction and quality of the program. With this agreement, Bentley builds a close working relationship with MEPhI and the Russian nuclear industry.

Highlights of areas the Center of Excellence will address include:
o The creation and support of a knowledge base of real-world technology cases and technology expertise
o Implementation of projects for State Corporation ROSATOM, energy enterprises, and housing and civil businesses.
o Development and support of industry standards and certification system
o Creation of a system of laboratories on MEPhI base that will certify companies and specialists on compliance with standards
o Mutual agreement on the integration of Bentley products with other information systems
o Localization of Bentley products for Russia, CIS, and other areas
o Training of students and specialists on Bentley products
o Provision of technical support for Bentley products to industries in all areas of presence
o Participation in international projects
o Audit of Bentley partners and customer projects for compliance with industry standards and world practice

There were close to 50 people at the signing of this landmark agreement. Attendees included deputy ministers, the IT director from a St Petersburg nuclear plant project, and the head of the Russian Nuclear Power Agency (Rosatom). Bentley colleagues from the U.S., U.K., Finland, and Russia were also in attendance, as were current and prospective Bentley users. John Riddle and Dr. Mikhael Strikhanov, the rector of MEPhI and former deputy minister of education, signed the agreement.

Nuclear power plants, which do not emit the principal greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, account for the majority of voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the electric power sector. Power companies are looking for ways to accelerate licensing and plant design projects to reduce costs and bring new nuclear plants onto the grid faster. 

The value chain for these projects is significantly different than others in the engineering and construction industry. It includes rigorous configuration management and regulatory requirements at every step in the facility lifecycle to ensure plant safety. The value proposition of the Bentley power generation solution is very compelling for the nuclear industry. 

Bentley is a global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 2,700 colleagues and offices in more than 45 countries, achieved in 2008 the milestone of $500 million in revenues, and, since 1995, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.