Beznau NPP: Unit 1 starts refueling

08.04.2025 - Axpo disconnected unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) from the grid as planned for a refueling outage. After 294 days of operation, the plant is now entering a shutdown period of around two weeks. 

The shutdown of Block 1 marks the end of the production cycle that began on June 19, 2024. During this time, KKB 1 produced around 2.4 billion kilowatt hours of electricity. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of around 530,000 four-person households. 

During the approximately two-week shutdown, specialists will replace 16 of the 121 fuel elements in the reactor core. In addition, recurring inspections and system tests will be carried out. The more than 500 employees of the nuclear power plant will be supported by around 150 external specialists. 

During the shutdown of the plant, water vapor is visible above the non-nuclear part of the plant (machine room). There is no danger to people or the environment. The refueling is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI. 

The Beznau nuclear power plant safely and reliably produces around 6 terawatt hours of electricity per year – enough to cover a tenth of Switzerland's electricity needs. The two power plant units are each taken off the grid in spring/summer for a refueling or overhaul. After that, they will once again make an important contribution to Switzerland's security of supply for around a year – not least during the winter months.