Beznau Nuclear Plant's Unit 2 Resumes Operations After Successful Maintenance
Unit 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant in Döttingen AG has resumed operations following a successful maintenance and inspection period. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) has approved the restart, ensuring the plant's safety and efficiency.
The maintenance, which began in early August, involved a comprehensive overhaul of Unit 2. Out of the total 121 fuel rods, 20 were replaced with new ones and reinserted into the reactor core. This routine replacement helps maintain the plant's power output and safety.
During the downtime, integral system tests were conducted, and fracture mechanical calculations were performed where necessary. These tests and calculations were accepted by ENSI, indicating that the plant's systems are functioning as intended. Additionally, ENSI tested the welds of the two feedwater heaters in Unit 2 due to findings on steel samples from Unit 1. This proactive measure ensures the integrity of the plant's systems and components.
The major inspections and maintenance of the feedwater heater for Block 1 of the Beznau NPP were last carried out in 2019, demonstrating the plant's commitment to regular upkeep and safety protocols.
With Unit 2 back online, the Beznau nuclear power plant continues to contribute significantly to Switzerland's energy production. The plant produces around 6 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, playing a crucial role in the country's power grid. The successful maintenance and ENSI's approval ensure that the plant operates safely and efficiently, meeting the high standards set by Swiss nuclear safety regulations.
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