KKB: Unit 2 offline for refueling

08.08.2022 - Axpo today disconnected unit 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) from the grid as planned for refueling. This marks the start of a two-week shutdown of the plant after 330 days of trouble-free operation.

The shutdown of unit 2 marks the end of the production cycle that started on September 12, 2021. During this period, KKB 2 produced around 3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which corresponds to the average annual consumption of 670,000 four-person households or the electricity consumption of the city of Zurich.

During the shutdown, which will last a good two weeks, KKB specialists will replace 20 of the total of 121 fuel assemblies in the reactor core. In addition, recurring inspection work and system tests are scheduled. The approximately 500 employees of KKB will be supported by 120 external specialists.

During the plant shutdown, steam is visible above the non-nuclear part of the plant. There is no danger to people or the environment.

The refueling is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI.