Traditional pond lighting systems used in nuclear facilities rely on bulky discharge or halogen lamps, both of which have a limited lifespan, high power consumption and complex control systems. These lamps also require ballasts and ignitor circuits, which further increases complexity and the risk of failure.

As a result, they often create maintenance challenges in radioactive environments, where equipment performance and operational simplicity are essential to keeping radiation exposure “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP).

Rovtech was approached to develop an alternative lighting solution for the Japanese nuclear market alongside Sumitomo. This would provide a more reliable, energy-efficient lighting option that could withstand long-term submersion and radiation exposure, while also minimising maintenance requirements.

Rovtech manufactured and supplied LED pond light samples for evaluation, while collaborating with Sumitomo to refine the design for the Japanese nuclear pond conditions.

Two specialised pond lights were developed for Fukushima to be used specifically for radiation debris collection work at its fuel storage pond. This went beyond the standard use of nuclear pond lights, as they were to be utilised as part of the decommissioning work following the Fukushima disaster.

The 40 units of pond lights developed for Kyushu electric were to be used for annual shutdown maintenance work within a deep pool of water at the nuclear reactor sites, known as cavity ponds.

These lights delivered significant improvements, consuming just 10% of the power that traditional discharge units used, and therefore unlocking the potential to offer 10 times the operational lifespan. This would drastically enhance energy efficiency and reduce intervention frequency in high-radiation environments.

The compact LED design also eliminated the need for external ballasts and ignitor circuits, which minimised system complexity and increased long-term performance in demanding underwater environments.

The project demonstrated how well-engineered LED systems and collaborative testing can help nuclear operators improve reliability and reduce energy consumption without compromising safety.

It also reinforced Rovtech’s ability to support global nuclear programs through hardware manufacturing, high-value technical consultancy and fast turnaround times, all of which are especially challenging when dealing with complex, high-risk environments.

As nuclear sites worldwide look to improve operational safety and efficiency, LED lighting offers a clear path to reducing risk and enhancing performance. Rovtech continues to work with global partners to design, validate, and supply systems built to last - even in the most extreme conditions.