“Then as now: I have great confidence in the plant”

In the wake of the oil crisis and increasing resistance to new hydroelectric power plants, the Leibstadt nuclear power plant (KKL) was planned from 1964. Twenty years later, the power plant located directly on the Geman-Swiss border was able to start commercial operation. That was 40 years ago. Hugo Schumacher, KKL’s first power plant manager, was around when Switzerland’s youngest nuclear power plant was connected to the grid. In this interview, he talks about the joys and sorrows of the early days and reminisces.

How did you become the first power plant manager at KKL?

I joined the company Elektrowatt Ltd. as a technical project manager in 1973 and was responsible for the Leibstadt nuclear power plant. In the same year, KKL Ltd. was founded, the work contract was signed with the BBC/General Electric consortium and the first building permit was issued. Construction of the plant began in 1974. Ten years later, shortly before commissioning, I took over the role of the power plant manager.

The KKL was built from 1974 to 1984 as Switzerland’s fourth nuclear power plant – a huge project. What were the challenges?

There were various new challenges at each stage. We had already overcome the first hurdles at the start of the construction phase in 1974, but others followed in the years after. The duration of the authorization processes and the constantly changing safety requirements delayed the original schedule. For example, the construction of a self-sufficient and bunkered emergency cooling system had to be planned. At the same time, major world events also had an impact on the construction time of the KKL: after the reactor accident in Harrisburg (USA) in 1979, the safety authorities focused heavily on the safety standards of the existing nuclear power plants in Switzerland. This results in further delays in the nuclear authorization process of the KKL.

What was the public opinion about nuclear power back then?

Switzerland needed more electricity. The best location for large storage power plants in the Alps had been exploited, so people were thinking about fossil-fueled power plants. US President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech at the UN General Assembly in 1953 has a positive effect on the perception of nuclear energy. The Swiss Federal Institute of Reactor Research (EIB) in Würenlingen was already working on a research reactor at the beginning of the 1960s. There was hardly any opposition to the construction of Beznau 1 or the nuclear power plant in Mühleberg. A spirit of optimism prevailed, and people had great confidence in the technology and the skills of the engineers. Even some politicians of the social party were in favor of nuclear power at the time, such as Federal Councilor Willy Spühler (Federal Councilor 1960-1970). Nowadays, that would be unimaginable.

In Leibstadt, there were also various actions by the anti-nuclear movement, such as Easter marches and torchlight processions. However, the opposition was never local, but came from the larger towns in the region.

How were you able to secure enough licensed personnel for the KKL?

We didn’t have any problems with recruiting and found very good applicants.

The future reactor operators and shift supervisors received their basic theoretical training at the already established reactor school in the EIR. We used the time resulting from the delays in the construction of the plant to deepen the training and gain experience. This included courses at simulators in the US and above all in Spain. The simulator of a reactor system identical to the KKL was already in operation there. The personnel were then able to experience the trial and test operation of individual components here. The mechanical and electrical engineering staff benefited from the opportunity to be present during the assembly and testing of the components to be supported later in the still fully accessible plant. This meant that the KKL team was very well prepared for commissioning and operation.

The plant went into commercial operation on 15 December 1984. What memories do you have of that day?

Taking over responsibility for the operation of the power plant was a memorable moment for me. I remember the good feeling I had when the plant was finally running at full capacity. The staff, together with the suppliers, spontaneously organised a party. The staff put on entertainment acts, and I recalled the joys and sorrows of the construction period with the help of slides. We really had a blast, the mood was fantastic and the atmosphere very joyful.

What highlights do you remember from your time as power plant manager?

There are no individual highlights that come to mind in response to this question. My ten years as power plant manager in Leibstadt were the best years of my professional career overall. The interpersonal contacts and the trusting cooperation with both superiors and employees strongly characterised my time as power plant manager. The specialised staff in all departments were conscientious and reliable. There were around 300 employees at the time, we knew and trusted each other. We were a team. That was important to me as a power plant manager and that also radiated beyond the plant fence. That’s why I always emphasised to my employees that they were the best public relations (PR) for our KKL. After all, the residents in the neighborhood couldn’t judge the safety of the plant, but they could form an opinion about the reliability and trustworthiness of the people working there.

The KKL is turning 40 this year and is thus entering so called long-term operation. How does that make you feel?

The retired management staff are in regular contact with the current management team. This means we always receive information about current projects and challenges. With this knowledge, I can say today, as I did 40 years ago, that I have great confidence in the plant and in the employees. The fact that the KKL is now going into long-term operation and that the perception of nuclear energy is becoming more positive again gives me pleasure and a good feeling.

What do you wish KKL for its 40th birthday?

I wish the KKL will continue to have good employees, competent managers and the proven KKL spirit.