Czech Temelín saved 5400 MWh of electricity with AI by optimizing pump settings

The Temelín nuclear power plant saved 5400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in its own consumption last year by using artificial intelligence (AI). It uses a modern mathematical method for processing large datasets known as Big Data. ČEZ has been using AI to optimize the operation of Temelín’s largest pumps since 2021. Last year, the plant consumed 803.000 MWh of electricity, about five percent of the electricity it generated. Temelín spokesperson Marek Sviták told journalists today.

The energy saved is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of households in a small town. The reduction in consumption was achieved by optimizing the operation of the largest circulation pumps, which circulate water through the cooling towers and condensers in the turbine hall. „We began using Big Data to determine operating modes in 2021 at Unit 1. Since last year, we have been using the method to its full potential at both units,“ said Jan Kruml, director of the Temelín power plant.

Using modern methods, energy specialists compare air temperature and humidity, cooling water temperature, and the electricity consumption of circulation pumps, which pump water into the cooling towers. Operators update the pumps’ power settings twice a day based on the weather forecast. Last year’s electricity savings at Temelín would have been enough to cover the annual consumption of around 1500 Czech households, said ČEZ board member Bohdan Zronek.

Temelín is the country’s largest electricity producer, covering about a fifth of domestic consumption. It generated 16,1 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity last year and has generated 0,8 TWh so far this year.