Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant
Type: Boiling water reactor BWR/6
Start of commercial operations: 1984
Nominal thermal output of reactor: 3600 MW
Gross electrical output: 1285 MWe
Net electrical output: 1233 MWe
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News
Leibstadt and Beznau nuclear power plants can withstand infrequent severe earthquakes
Both Leibstadt and Beznau nuclear power plants have shown that, in the event of or after a very severe earthquake, they can ensure that their reactors are stable and safe. Dose values of one or 100 millisievert which have to be complied with will not be exceeded even after earthquakes that are only to be expected every 1,000 or 10,000 years respectively.
All Swiss nuclear power plants comply with the updated earthquake safety standards
For the second time since the Fukushima accident in 2011, power plant operators have demonstrated that their plants are capable of withstanding an extremely rare, severe earthquake.
Quality assurance errors relating to some fuel rods in the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant
A few days ago, Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (KKL) informed the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) that some fuel elements do not fulfil the requirements of the applicable specifications. Accordingly, KKL decided to replace them for safety reasons. The safety of man and the environment was ensured at all times.
“Cladding tube damage poses no risk to mankind or the environment”
ENSI has issued Leibstadt NPP approval to restart subject to conditions. In an interview Ralph Schulz, Director of the Safety Analyses Division, shares some background insights.
ENSI issues Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant approval to restart subject to conditions
Leibstadt NPP can restart power operation after an extended annual overhaul. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate has checked the clarification of the causes and measures derived from it for the avoidance of critical boiling conditions or dryouts. Safe operation without risk to humankind or the environment is ensured.
Findings on fuel elements in Leibstadt NPP: ENSI is classifying the incident as INES 1 and checking the submitted measures
An inspection of fuel elements in Leibstadt NPP revealed that critical boiling states – so-called dryouts – had systematically occurred over several cycles.
Background Articles
Dryout: Preventing inadequate cooling of fuel rods
Heat is generated in the reactor as a result of nuclear fission. To guarantee optimum cooling of the fuel rods, their cladding tubes must always be covered with a film of water. If they are not completely covered with water in specific areas, this is referred to as “dryout”.