KKB 1: Back on the grid after refueling

25.5.2021 - Following successful refueling, Axpo brought Unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) back online during the course of Monday. With the new loading of the reactor core, KKB 1 will start the next operating cycle and will again produce electricity around the clock for more than 600,000 four-person households.

KKB unit 1 had gone offline on May 11, 2021, as scheduled for annual refueling. Over the past two weeks, specialists at KKB have replaced 20 of the total 121 fuel assemblies in the reactor core in compliance with the pandemic protection concept. In addition, inspection work, system tests and planned maintenance work were carried out on individual components.

Following clearance by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI, KKB 1 has gradually resumed normal operation. The plant will reach full load in about two days - equivalent to a net electrical output of 365 megawatts.

During restart, water vapor is visible above the non-nuclear part of the plant (machine house) at times. There is no danger to people or the environment.