Temelín completes generator cooling upgrade after three years

Temelín Nuclear Power Plant has completed a major upgrade of its generator cooling system. The investment project, which began in 2023, cost tens of millions of crowns. Technicians replaced key heat exchangers underground in the turbine hall. The new equipment will allow maintenance to be carried out while the plant is fully operational, helping to shorten planned outages of both units. Plant spokesperson Marek Sviták informed journalists of the news today.

Over the past three years, technicians replaced two coolers on each generating unit. They ensure the continuous cooling of key generator components and help keep the equipment at its ideal operating temperature. "Ongoing upgrades to key systems are essential to ensuring the long-term safe and reliable operation of both our nuclear power plants. Investments of this kind also allow us to continually increase the efficiency of clean electricity generation," said Bohdan Zronek, a member of ČEZ’s board of directors and director of its nuclear energy division.

Until now, energy workers could inspect and maintain these coolers only during planned outages. Thanks to the upgrade, they can carry out the same work while electricity is being generated. "This will reduce the number of workers needed during the outages themselves and, ultimately, will also have a positive impact on their overall duration," said plant director Petr Měšťan. Replacing the coolers was a challenging task. The units, which are 1.3 metres in diameter, are located in technical rooms five metres below ground.

Since the beginning of the year, Temelín has generated 6.1 terawatt-hours of electricity. This year, ČEZ is investing 3.8 billion crowns in modernising the plant, 700 million Kč more than last year.