The oldest operating nuclear power plant in the world is being overhauled
Published: Tuesday, May 14th 2024, 09:10
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Almost 500 additional specialists from all over the world are currently working on the overhaul of Unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant on the River Aare in Döttingen AG. They are ensuring that Switzerland's oldest nuclear reactor can continue to produce electricity reliably and safely.
"The parking spaces are pretty full!" warns the security guard at the entrance to the Beznau nuclear power plant site, pointing to the additional space behind the regular parking garage. In addition to the vehicles with Aargau license plates, many cars from other cantons and abroad are parked here. There are also a few motorhomes.
Experts from all over the world
Where normally 480 employees come and go, there are currently an additional 500 external people working, says Roger Gampp, Head of Operations at the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB). Experts from all over the world are checking parts of the reactor pressure vessel and overhauling one of the two high-pressure turbines. In addition, one of the emergency diesel generators is being replaced with a freshly overhauled spare unit.
Many work in two or even three shifts. Nevertheless, bottlenecks at various locations could not be avoided, says Gampp. In order to be able to offer additional workstations, temporary office containers were set up on the site.
Especially during shift changes, many places are like a beehive. However, everything has its place. Anyone wishing to enter from the reception hall must first give their name, address and date of birth and be identified with an ID card on arrival. A photo of the eyes and palms is then taken and a badge is issued.
Take off all your clothes once
The subsequent check is reminiscent of the procedure at the airport, but is only the first step. Anyone wishing to enter the controlled zone is given two dosimeters to take with them, which would indicate radiation exposure. And they have to change completely.
At the entrance to the checkroom, orange underpants, orange T-shirts and yellow socks in one size are available in racks. Private clothes remain in the checkroom for the duration of the visit. "It's best to take one size bigger," recommends operations manager Gampp to visitors when choosing shoes. White overalls are available in sizes S to 3XL.
"Everyone in here is on a first-name basis," says Gampp to warn guests. It has happened that visitors have been surprised when an employee has addressed them in the narrow aisles with "can you move aside quickly!".
Per Du in the apiary
The beehive feeling continues, for example in the "hot workshop", where more is going on than usual during the overhaul. The controlled zone also includes a chemical laboratory where many samples are analyzed every day. And there are always people screwing, dismantling, testing or reinstalling something.
Depending on the location, additional safety measures such as helmets, goggles or hearing protection are mandatory. Anyone wishing to leave the controlled zone must undergo several contamination tests - this is how the plant ensures that no radioactivity is released outside.
The clothes end up in plastic bags and go to the internal laundry, which runs at full speed during the audit. "No contamination, please go through," says an artificially generated female voice from the testing device, dismissing the visitor.
60 years or more
Block 1 of the KKB has been in operation since 1969. This makes it not only the oldest commercially used nuclear reactor in Switzerland, but also the oldest nuclear power plant still in operation in the world. Block 2 is two years younger.
There is no lifetime limit for nuclear power plants in Switzerland. They may be operated as long as they are deemed safe. The KKB in Döttingen AG is planned to operate for 60 years. The operator Axpo has not yet set a specific date for decommissioning. However, "the fundamental feasibility of operation beyond this date" is being examined. Axpo has promised information on the results for spring 2025.
The plants in Gösgen and Leibstadt, which have been in operation since 1979 and 1984 respectively, were built later than the KKB. The Mühleberg nuclear power plant produced energy from 1972 to 2019 and is currently being dismantled.
©Keystone/SDA
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