Temelin Nuclear Power Plant Starts Charging Fuel in the Reactor

On Wednesday, 5th July 2000 at 3.45 p.m., the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SONS) permitted CEZ to charge fuel in the reactor of Unit One. "Our Office fully observed the Atomic Act and related regulations in the permitting proceedings for fuel charging in the reactor of Temelin NPP Unit One. At the moment there is nothing in Temelin NPP to prevent its starting up," commented SONS decision its chairperson Ms. Dana Drabova.

"I believe Temelin NPP equipment is currently fully qualified for the beginning of the stage of active testing. The State Office for Nuclear Safety had been a relentless and very strict partner during the permitting proceedings for fuel charging. Whoever is questioning that SONS is intransigent is wrong," said the Minister of Industry and Trade Miroslav Gregr referring to the according of permit. The minister personally took part in the transfer of the first part of ninety two tons of fuel that will be charged in Unit One reactor during next ten to twelve days.

Three and a half hours later, after preparation of technologies and devices, the order was given to start the transfer of first fuel sets from fresh fuel storehouse to the reactor hall. At 9.27 p.m. the transfer of first fuel sets from fresh fuel storehouse to the transfer corridor in Temelin NPP Unit One started and works on fuel charging in the reactor began. "Whoever thinks in a realistic way must consider the nuclear power generation as the most environment-friendly way of power generation. At present the nuclear power generation has its place among power generation sources like a clean and cheap source," said Minister Gregr in connection with the beginning of the physical start-up in the second Czech NPP.

After all 163 fuel sets will have been charged, the reactor after assemblage will be closed. Then, the reactor will be sealed by workers of IAEA, Vienna. After that the cool leakage test will be conducted and followed by the strength test of the containment, which test will again verify leak-proof of the containment. Subsequently, main circulation pumps will be started and heating of the primary circuit will begin. All devices and systems will be re-tested. "Only then, meaning after about two months, the SONS will be asked for the permit to activate fuel. A period of approximately ten days will follow during which the reactor will be physically started up at zero output," explained the further progress of the physical start-up Temelin NPP press spokesman Milan Nebesar.

The output of the reactor will be gradually increasing with simultaneous intensive testing of the primary and secondary circuits. After the generator will have been phased to the grid, Temelin NPP will supply in this fall its first electricity. The output of the reactor will be gradually increased up to one hundred percent.. "This process will last for several months and the functionality of the entire device will be retested on each output level under continual inspection by the SONS. The amount of conducted tests will gradually shift from NPP primary part to its secondary part. That means the stage of testing operation can start in the next spring," concluded NPP press spokesman.

Milan Nebesar, Temelin NPP Press Spokesman

6. 7. 2000