Beznau nuclear power plant: Start of refueling in Unit 2

4.8.2020 - Unit 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) was taken off grid today, Tuesday, as planned in order to carry out refuelling. After reactor reloading, the plant will be ready for the next operating cycle.

The shutdown of Unit 2 marks the end of the production cycle that began on 20 September 2019. Since then, KKB 2 reliably produced about 2.9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity without interruption. This correspondsto the annual power consumption of about 600,000 households in Switzerland.

During the shutdown that will last about two weeks, 20 of the 121 fuel elements will be replaced and installedin the reactor core. In addition, recurring inspection work and integral system tests will be performed.

During the shutdown, steam from the non-nuclear section will be visible above the powerhouse. This does not pose any danger to human beings or the environment.

During refuelling, the approx. 460 KKB employees will be supported by some 120 external experts.

The measures instituted in spring to prevent the spread of the corona-virus and to protect internal and external staff will continue to be closely observed.

Refuelling work is supervised by the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI.

Additional information

Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications

T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland) | T +41 56 200 41 10 (international), medien@axpo.com

Media Release View Send email Download

Axpo Holding AG

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

T 0800 44 11 00 (Schweiz)
T +41 56 200 41 10 (International)

(08.00 - 17.30)

Renewable energy 21.10.2025

NalpSolar pioneer project: First 10% of alpine solar plant connected to the grid

Axpo and the municipality of Tujetsch (Grisons) have reached a key milestone at the NalpSolar alpine solar plant: in line with Switzerland’s “Solar Express” framework, the first 10% of the planned capacity has been successfully connected to the grid on schedule. Located at approximately 2,000 metres above sea level near the Lai da Nalps reservoir, the project is creating a new source of climate-friendly electricity to support the Swiss Federal Railways’ (SBB) sustainable traction power supply.

Renewable energy 17.10.2025

Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG: One-off payment to the canton of Glarus following contract amendment

Since 2019, Axpo has been utilising the canton of Glarus' share of electricity generation from Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG on the energy markets. The calculation formula for the compensation paid to the canton does not accurately reflect extraordinary operating conditions. Axpo and the canton of Glarus have retroactively adjusted this formula. The canton of Glarus will therefore receive a one-off payment of CHF 3.9 million.

International business 15.10.2025

From power to green gas: Axpo supports e-methane producer TURN2X

Axpo has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with clean-tech pioneer TURN2X for the industrial-scale production of green hydrogen and e-methane in Spain. The innovative partnership marks significant progress in the decarbonisation of industries that are difficult to electrify and strengthens Europe's energy independence.