Philippsburg nuclear power plant: Block 2 disconnected from the grid for its annual inspection – EnBW is investing in the high safety level of its nuclear power plants
Karlsruhe. Block 2 of the Philippsburg nuclear power plant (KKP 2) is being disconnected from the grid today (Friday, 8 April 2016) as planned for its annual inspection. Testing and maintenance work will be completed, fuel elements replaced and a number of technical projects implemented during this inspection.
“KKP 2 remains – along with Block II in Neckarwestheim – a key foundation stone for the reliable and climate-friendly supply of electricity. Currently both plants still cover approximately one-third of the electricity requirements in Baden-Württemberg. We utilise the annual inspection to carry out comprehensive tests and numerous inspection and maintenance activities to ensure that the power plant is kept completely up-to-date from a technological standpoint and maintains a high level of safety”, explains Christoph Heil, Managing Director Power Plant Operations of EnBW Kernkraft GmbH. “In Philippsburg and Neckarwestheim we moreover work on preparing the safe direct dismantling of KKP 1 and GKN, the nuclear power plants which have already been shut down. We are also focussing firmly on decommissioning KKP 2 and GKN II. The dismantling work on the plant in Obrigheim has already made good progress.”
Around 800 additional experts support the extensive inspection work.
“This year’s inspection programme is very comprehensive. There are around 4,200 individual activities in total, most of which can only be performed when the plant has been shut down”, reports Thomas Franke, Head of the KKP 2 power plant. “The planned activities include not only routine work but also several maintenance measures on large-scale components. For example, all four main coolant pumps will be inspected, and pressure testing will be performed of two of the four steam generators and the reactor pressure vessel. In addition, the motor will be replaced in one of the six main coolant water pumps and one of the six main coolant water pumps will be inspected. Regular maintenance work will be performed on several emergency power generators according to schedule.” About 800 additional experts from manufacturing and specialist companies will assist with the extensive work.
The inspection work will take place under the supervision of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Industry and will be accompanied by auditors from TÜV and KeTAG (Baden-Württemberg Auditors Consortium for Nuclear Technology) appointed by the ministry.
Block 2 of the Philippsburg nuclear power plant is a pressurised water reactor with an electrical output of 1,468 megawatts. The power plant was commissioned in 1984 and generated more than 11 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2015.
Block 2 is operated by EnBW Kernkraft GmbH (EnKK). EnKK stands for safety in the operation and post operation, as well as the decommissioning and dismantling of the nuclear power plants in Baden-Württemberg. In Neckarwestheim and Philippsburg, EnKK generates electricity with one nuclear power plant at each location (GKN II and KKP 2). Power plant operations of KKP 2 will be discontinued at the end of 2019 at the latest, and those of GKN II at the end of 2022 at the latest. Afterwards the dismantling process of these power plants is to begin promptly. EnBW will submit the necessary applications in the course of this year. A further power plant that no longer produces electricity is located at each of the sites (GKN I and KKP 1). The closure and decommissioning approvals for these shut-down blocks, for which EnBW has applied, are expected to be granted during the second half of 2016. Once they have been received, the dismantling work on GKN and KKP 1 can start. Good progress has been made with the dismantling of the nuclear power plant at the Obrigheim location since 2008.