Beznau nuclear power plant: Start of refueling in Unit 2

4.8.2020 - Unit 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) was taken off grid today, Tuesday, as planned in order to carry out refuelling. After reactor reloading, the plant will be ready for the next operating cycle.

The shutdown of Unit 2 marks the end of the production cycle that began on 20 September 2019. Since then, KKB 2 reliably produced about 2.9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity without interruption. This correspondsto the annual power consumption of about 600,000 households in Switzerland.

During the shutdown that will last about two weeks, 20 of the 121 fuel elements will be replaced and installedin the reactor core. In addition, recurring inspection work and integral system tests will be performed.

During the shutdown, steam from the non-nuclear section will be visible above the powerhouse. This does not pose any danger to human beings or the environment.

During refuelling, the approx. 460 KKB employees will be supported by some 120 external experts.

The measures instituted in spring to prevent the spread of the corona-virus and to protect internal and external staff will continue to be closely observed.

Refuelling work is supervised by the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI.

 

Additional information

Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications 

T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland) | T +41 56 200 41 10 (international), medien@axpo.com

Axpo Holding AG

Corporate Communications

medien@axpo.com

T 0800 44 11 00 (Schweiz) 
T +41 56 200 41 10 (International)

(08.00 - 17.30)

More media releases

Show all

Wind power 23.04.2025

Axpo publishes white paper on wind energy

Switzerland has so far made limited use of its wind energy potential – even though wind power could contribute up to 10 terawatt hours of electricity annually. In a new white paper published today, Axpo explores how wind energy can become a crucial pillar of a secure and renewable electricity supply – particularly during the winter months. More than 60 per cent of potential wind production would occur in the coldest and most energy-intensive season. Wind energy should therefore form an integral part of Switzerland’s future energy mix.

Read more

Wind power 15.04.2025

Axpo launches wind measurements at Tannenberg

Following the start of wind measurements at Flumserberg, Axpo is now also assessing the wind energy potential at Tannenberg, located in the municipalities of Waldkirch and Andwil in the canton of St. Gallen. As a first step, a 125-metre wind measurement mast will be installed on Wednesday, 16 April. The mast will collect precise data on wind conditions, weather patterns and bat activity to enable a thorough feasibility assessment for a potential wind farm.

Read more

Nuclear energy 08.04.2025

New Head of Nuclear Energy Division

Michael Kessler (56) is to become the new Head of Nuclear Energy at Axpo. He will succeed Roland Schmidiger, who is handing over operational management of the division for health reasons. Michael Kessler will take up the position on 1 May 2025, which he has already been performing since mid-March in the role of Deputy Head of the Nuclear Division. In this role, he will also take over the management of the Leibstadt nuclear power plant.

Read more