Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant at a new output of 454MW

The unit reached an output of 98 % in the morning hours of May 4th, 2005, and the modernized turbo-generators have been generating 454MW of electricity. Experts estimate, that after reaching a 100 % output of the reactor the turbo-generators could supply up to 460MW to the grid in winter. That represents a 4.5% increase in effectiveness. At the moment, 95 % power level, reached at the launch of the modernized 3rd unit, has been ended, and the reactor is working at a 98 % output with turbo-generators at 2 x 247 MW. The old turbo-generators did not reach such outputs even during periods of severe frost, when production efficiency is highest.

Exact measuring and output calibration is going to be done at 98 % power level tomorrow, May 5th, and then also at the full 100 % output during 144 hour confirmative operation, which is to begin on Friday, May 6th. Nor after successful confirmative operation does the work of the specialists and starters end. The final "END" will come as late as a hundred of tests are analysed and we learn a lesson from this first large modernization. There is the same rejuvenation cure for the units 1, 2 and 4 in the pipe in the years to come.

You can be sure of the fact that it was not easy, when there were only blank wires, which had to be reliably connected to the right place, sticking out of the floors in tens of rooms.

Already today, some workers are dreaming of their summer holiday. Some will go to the mountains, some will just cycle in the countryside, others will go to the seaside, and some are awaited by well-fed salmons under the surface of clear Norwegian waters. Simply, it is necessary to unwind after such stress.

Petr Spilka, Press Officer CEZ, a.s. - Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant

5. 5. 2005