Temelín upgrades key safety system: 350 metres of piping replaced underground
The Temelín nuclear power plant is continuing its modernisation programme and replacing safety piping. Specialists can carry out the replacement work for only a few weeks each year, and it is scheduled to continue until 2030. It is now roughly one-third complete. To ensure the system operates reliably for decades to come, technicians are replacing the original carbon steel with high-quality stainless steel. The piping connects key plant facilities, plant spokesman Marek Sviták told reporters today.
The safety piping forms an important link between the main generating units, technical water pools and diesel generators. Its purpose is to ensure reliable removal of heat from the reactor in emergency situations. "In total, we need to replace approximately 350 metres of piping. Some of the work can only be carried out during outages, which makes preparation and coordination demanding," said plant director Petr Měšťan.
Technicians are carrying out the replacement in underground corridors, placing high demands on both logistics and safety. A seven-member team from ČEZ Energoservis must transport piping sections weighing 100 to 300 kilograms into these areas. They use a combination of hoists and specially erected scaffolding for the work. "Workers are equipped with devices for continuous monitoring of oxygen levels. Once the old piping has been cut out, the new stainless-steel sections must be installed and welded with precision, which requires a high level of craftsmanship in these conditions," said ČEZ project manager Miroslav Novotný.
Energy workers have currently completed approximately one-third of the total route. Several dozen metres are replaced each year. "The gradual modernisation of this system is part of a broad investment programme focused on the safety and long-term operation of the Temelín units," said Bohdan Zronek, ČEZ board member and director of the nuclear energy division.
Since the beginning of the year, the Temelín power plant has generated 7,5 terawatt-hours of electricity. ČEZ is investing 3,8 billion crowns in modernising the plant this year. This is 700 million Kč more than last year.
