Czech Temelín plant loads fuel into reactor, with more assemblies extending operating cycle

The Temelín nuclear power plant has loaded fuel into the reactor of Unit 2. The load consists of 163 fuel assemblies, including 48 fresh ones—up from 42 previously. The higher number of fresh assemblies will extend the unit’s operating period by one month. Temelín spokesperson Marek Sviták said so in a press release. Unit 2 has been offline for a planned outage since 18 August, which will last approximately two months. Unit 1 was offline this year for inspections and fuel replacement from 7 April to 8 June.

A remotely operated machine placed the fuel assemblies in their precisely designated positions over three days. This will ensure even heat generation and limit the effect of neutrons on the reactor vessel. „After more than two decades, fuel replacement is a routine operation for us. Even so, we approach it with the utmost emphasis on safety,“ said Jan Kruml, director of the Temelín power plant.