"KKB is in good condition"

After the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) had approved the safety case for Unit 1 of the Beznau KKB nuclear power plant, the plant went back on the grid on 19 March 2018. Despite a nearly three-year standstill, the plant is in good condition. Mike Dost, Head of KKB, provided credence to its state.

Mike Dost, what meant the confirmation of the safety case for you and the employees at Beznau?

Of course, it was a reason to be very happy. We have worked very hard to achieve this over the past three years. Our extensive, complex investigations have set international standards.

Is the plant safe?

Yes. If there were any doubts, I would have been the first to oppose a return to service. The safety case for the reactor pressure vessel of KKB Unit 1 was prepared under the most conservative hypotheses. We proved that all the safety-technical requirements and legal regulations have been fulfilled for the safe operation of the plant for over 60 years.

The plant was in shutdown for nearly three years. Is it possible that deterioration occurred during this time?

We implemented technical measures to prevent deterioration during the shutdown. These were communicated to the authorities and presented on plant tours. Periodic inspections and maintenance were carried out in the same manner as if the plant had been in operation. Function tests were performed regularly and moving components were repeatedly rotated. The system was tested again in detail before restarting. Our specialists ensure the safe operation of the plant.

How do you assess the condition of Beznau 1?

The plant is in good condition. Unit 1 coincides with the state of the art in terms of retrofitting. Despite its service life, we have not noticed an increase in maintenance requirements. The prerequisites for the safe, reliable operation of the plant are fulfilled.