KKB: Maintenance in unit 2

06.08.21 - Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) is taking unit 2 offline today as planned for just over five weeks. The start of the maintenance work marks the end of a 354-day operating cycle.

Since August 17, 2020, unit 2 of KKB has produced almost 3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity. This corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of around 650,000 households. The main focus of the maintenance work includes servicing, periodic tests and inspections, as well as the commissioning of new systems and components. In addition, integral system tests will be carried out as usual. Of the total 121 fuel assemblies, 20 will be replaced with new ones.

During the maintenance work, the employees of KKB will be supported by several hundred external specialists. During this year's maintenance work, KKB will continue to implement measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. This is reflected in the planning and execution of the revision work. Among other things, there is a strict access procedure and all persons working at the plant have the opportunity to be tested twice a week.

During shutdown of the plant, water vapor is visible above the turbine hall (non-nuclear part of the plant). There is no danger to people or the environment. The inspection is supervised by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI.