Keystone-SDA
The two reactors of the Beznau nuclear power plant, in Argovie, are now disconnected due to heat. The exploitation of the first block had already been suspended since Tuesday. The second followed Wednesday evening. The stability of the electrical network is maintained.
(Keystone-ATS) The high temperatures of the AAR, which feeds the power plant located in Döttingen (AG) in cooling water, had already forced the Axpo electric company to reduce, on Sunday, half the power of the two reactors, then to unplug the 1 Tuesday afternoon block. Wednesday evening, block 2 followed the movement.
The regulation of the Federal Energy Office (OFEN) which provides for this decision in such cases had been introduced in 2019 following the scorching summer of 2018. If the limit of 25 degrees in the AAR is exceeded or threatening to be, the power of the power station must be sharply reduced or even stopped. The operator AXPO intends to ask the Confederation a relaxation of these rules.
Concerted decision
Beznau’s temporary disconnection was decided in agreement with the Federal Electricity Commission (ELCOM), the Federal Institute for Nuclear Safety (IFSN) and the operator of the Swiss electrical network Swissgrid, said Axpo on Thursday.
And to add that the temporary judgment of the Beznau power station does not threaten the security of the supply of electricity or that of the Beznau reactors.
Protect the fauna and flora of the AAR
Its objective is to protect the fauna and flora of the river, which is currently suffering from the heat wave. A continuation of the operation of the power station would further aggravate the situation. Indeed, part of the water drawn from the AAR to cool the reactors is rejected slightly warmed in the river, even though the river already has a temperature exceeding 25 degrees.
The Beznau power station has no cooling tower, unlike the Gösgen and Leibstadt plants. The heat wave as such is not a technical security problem for nuclear power plants, recalls IFSN on its online site.
