Czech Temelín modernizes auxiliary operations, with water distribution controlled from a single control room

The intake of water from the Vltava, its treatment and distribution throughout the Temelín nuclear power plant are controlled by a new system. It allows staff to operate everything from a single control room instead of the previous three. ČEZ is currently completing the second phase of modernizing auxiliary operations, which will control the production and distribution of cooling, compressed air and heat. It is expected to be completed this year, plant spokesperson Marek Sviták said today.

Energy workers had to lay dozens of kilometres of cables and install computer equipment, including software. “We already control the entire water management system from the new control room, including the intake, treatment and distribution of water,” said plant director Jan Kruml. All control operations are now concentrated in one new workplace. By the end of the year, two operators will work there, alternating in eight-hour shifts. They will also have two equally qualified colleagues available to monitor the technology outside the control room. The three existing control rooms for the cooling-water treatment plant, chemical water treatment and low-pressure compressor station will remain as backups.

Temelín is currently completing the modernization of the second part of the auxiliary operations control systems. “It will control the production and distribution of cooling, compressed air and, above all, heat for the plant, České Budějovice and Týn nad Vltavou,” said plant director Jan Kruml.

The three existing local control rooms for the cooling-water treatment plant, chemical water treatment and low-pressure compressor station will remain as backups. Temelín invests tens of millions of crowns annually in modernizing the control system for auxiliary operations, such as the distribution of cooling or heat, and technicians are carrying out the work gradually over several years.

Temelín, one of two nuclear power plants in Czechia, covers roughly a fifth of domestic electricity consumption. It has generated 7.5 terawatt-hours of electricity since the start of this year, compared with 14.3 terawatt-hours last year.