"ČEZ Boosts Investment in Dukovany, Paves the Way for Cutting-Edge 16-Month Fuel Cycles

Dukovany has four reactors (Image: ČEZ)

Czech utility company, ČEZ, has declared its intention to invest over CZK2.3 billion ($105 million) into the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, with the primary goal of ensuring its "safe and reliable operation" until at least 2047. The investment is a half a billion crowns more than the previous year.

Bohdan Zronek, a member of ČEZ's board of directors, emphasized the significance of nuclear energy as a zero-emission resource and stated that the investments are aimed at ensuring Dukovany's safe operation for the next six decades, regardless of the increase in the volume of work this year.

Additionally, the utility company is extending the fuel cycles of the four units at Dukovany by four months, from the current 12-month cycles, which is expected to increase efficiency as fewer fuel replacements will be required.

The most challenging project, according to Plant Director Roman Havlín, will be cleaning the steam generators. He explained that last year, in collaboration with Framatome, they developed and tested a cleaning method, which will allow them to remove mineral deposits inside the device, thus extending its expected service life.

ČEZ is also constructing a new administrative block due to the hiring of approximately 100 new employees this year. The Czech Republic currently uses nuclear power to generate 34% of its electricity, with four reactors at Dukovany and two at Temelin. ČEZ is currently evaluating bids from Westinghouse, EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for the construction of a new reactor at Dukovany. Meanwhile, the South Bohemia Nuclear Park, near Temelin, has been designated for the operation of small reactors in the early 2030s. The company has announced its expectation of nearly doubling its nuclear workforce in the upcoming years with the planned new build.

There are several measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of a nuclear power plant:

Design and Construction: Building the plant with multiple layers of protection and following strict construction standards can help prevent accidents.

Quality Control: Regular inspections and maintenance of all equipment, including regular checks on the structural integrity of the building, can help ensure that everything is functioning as it should.

Emergency Planning: Having plans in place to respond to various types of emergencies, such as a power outage, fire, or natural disaster, can help prevent or minimize damage.

Training and Certification of Personnel: Proper training of personnel on the operations and safety of the plant is crucial to prevent accidents.

Independent Safety Oversight: Independent bodies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the U.S., can provide oversight to ensure that the plant is following all safety regulations.

Risk Management: A thorough analysis of potential risks and a plan to address them can help prevent or mitigate the consequences of an accident.

Technology Upgrades: Regular upgrades to the plant's technology, including safety systems, can improve the safety of the plant.

Community Engagement: Engaging with the local community, including through regular meetings and information sharing, can help ensure that everyone is aware of the safety measures in place and the potential risks

source: (worldnuclearnews)

#Dukovany #ČEZ #nuclear

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