KKB 2 taken off grid for overhaul

04.08.2023 - Block 2 of Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) is being taken off grid today as scheduled for just under six weeks. The plant shutdown has thus been started after a 348-day operating cycle.  

The overhaul will focus on maintenance work, periodic tests and inspections – including the major overhaul of a generator and inspection work on the reactor’s main pumps. Out of 121 fuel elements, 20 are being replaced. The employees of KKB (around 500 in total) received support from over 400 external experts from the local region, Switzerland and abroad.

Since 22 August 2022, Block 2 has produced more than 3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity around the clock – equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 650,000 average four-person households.

During the shutdown, steam will be visible above the machine hall (non-nuclear part of the plant). There is no danger to people or the environment. The overhaul is being carried out under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI).

The Beznau nuclear power plant produces around 6 terawatt hours of electricity in a safe, reliable and climate-friendly way every year – meeting about one tenth of Switzerland’s electricity requirements. The two power plant blocks are taken off grid separately in spring/summer for fuel element replacement or overhaul. They then resume their contribution to Switzerland’s security of supply for around another year, something which is particularly vital in the winter months.