Beznau Nuclear Power Plant
Type: Pressurised water reactor
Start of commercial operations: 1969/1972
Nominal thermal output of each reactor: 1130 MW
Gross electrical output: 380 MWe
Net electrical output: 365 MWe
Click here for NPP Beznau
Type: Pressurised water reactor
Start of commercial operations: 1969/1972
Nominal thermal output of each reactor: 1130 MW
Gross electrical output: 380 MWe
Net electrical output: 365 MWe
Click here for NPP Beznau
An international panel of experts supported the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI in assessing Axpo’s safety case for the Beznau 1 reactor pressure vessel. In an interview, the chair of the review panel Tim Williams explains why they support the conclusion that Beznau 1 may be restarted. The IRP has been following Axpo’s safety […]
In the summer of 2012, findings are detected in the basic material of the reactor pressure vessel of the Belgian nuclear power plant Doel-3. As a result, nuclear power plants in Switzerland also have to carry out inspections. Since findings are also detected in the reactor pressure vessel of Beznau 1, Axpo needs to prove it was safe. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI accepts this proof in 2018.
The steam generators at Beznau and Gösgen do not deviate from the design requirements in terms of their carbon content. This is the result of a review of the manufacturing documents. The structural integrity of the steam generators’ individual components is ensured by a large margin.
Georg Schwarz, ENSI Deputy Director and head of the NPPs Division, explains the background and context in the following interview.
The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) requires that the Beznau and Gösgen nuclear power plants check the quality and design of the forgings of the steam generators in respect of adherence to the material specifications.
On Monday, Axpo submitted the documents for characterisation and assessment of the findings in the base material of the Beznau 1 reactor pressure vessel. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) will review these and decide whether Beznau 1 nuclear power plant will receive permission to restart.