Swiss energy utility Axpo Holding is investigating the possibility of operating its Beznau NPP beyond 2030. According to Axpo, the investigations are focused on technical feasibility, with safety the top priority. Axpo said deciding whether operation beyond the previously envisaged 60 years is possible will depend on several factors. These include the integrity of central components such as reactor pressure vessels and the availability of personnel, suppliers and fuel. The investigations are expected to take around a year.
The Beznau NPP (KKB – Kernkraftwerk Beznau) consists of two 365 MWe Westinghouse pressurised water reactors. The plant also supplies hot water to the regional district heating network in the lower Aare River valley. KKB 1 began commercial operation in 1969 and KKB 2 in 1972. Beznau is the oldest NPP in Switzerland.
Axpo said it had invested more than CHF2.5bn ($2.8bn) in retrofitting and modernising the two reactors since they were commissioned. There are no lifetime limits for NPPs in Switzerland and they may be operated for as long as they are deemed safe by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI -Eidgenössisches Nuklearsicherheitsinspektorat). At the end of 2011, ENSI stated in a report that there was “potential for improvement” regarding the long-term operation of the Beznau plant. In 2018, ENSI issued a restart permit for unit 1 after a three-year verification period.
The two 365 MWe Westinghouse pressurised water reactors at the Beznau plant are the oldest power reactors in Switzerland. Unit 1 began operating in 1969, while unit 2 entered operation in 1972. In addition to providing power, both units also produce district heating.
Image: Beznau nuclear power plant in Switzerland
