21.8.2020 - On 1st September 2020, the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant (KKB) will undergo a management change. After ten years, Power Plant Manager Michael "Mike" Dost (59) will stand down. The decision comes following divergent views regarding the future management of the plant and cooperation with other Group companies. These divergent views are expressly not related to safety issues. Under the leadership of Michael Dost, the KKB has fulfilled all safety requirements at all times.
The Executive Board of the KKB, which is managed by the Nuclear Energy Division of Axpo, has appointed Roland Schmidiger, the previous Deputy Power Plant Manager, as Interim Manager of the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant. The succession process for Michael Dost will begin in the next few days. The supervisory authority ENSI has been informed.
In 2011, Michael Dost joined KKB as Head of Electrical Engineering. In 2015, he took over as Deputy Power Plant Manager, and one year later stepped into the lead role as Manager. During Dost's time at the KKB, major construction projects were implemented; the installation of new pressure vessel covers, new emergency systems, and a new plant information system. Further important events for the nuclear power plant and for Axpo during this time, were the nuclear phase-out initiative in 2016, and the restart in 2018 following a long shutdown due to aluminium-oxide deposits in the pressure vessel of Reactor 1.
Axpo’s Head of Nuclear Energy Division Willi Kohlpaintner said, "Mike has provided a great service to Beznau. The operation of the plant has been very reliable. If it were not for his knowledge, prudence and tenacity, it probably would not have been possible to demonstrate the safety of the reactor vessel in Block 1, in particular. It was possible due to the production of a replica, a comprehensive analysis of the aluminium-oxide deposits, and the first worldwide safety certification recognized by international experts ".
Michael Dost's management period also saw the 50th anniversary of the KKB in 2019 and, under difficult conditions during the Corona era, the successful revision of Unit 1 in 2020.
Axpo expressly thanks Michael Dost for his valuable management work at the KKB during the last ten years and wishes him all the best for the future.
Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications
T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland) | T +41 56 200 41 10 (international), medien@axpo.com
Axpo is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. 5000 employees combine experience and expertise with a passion for innovation. Axpo develops innovative energy solutions based on state-of-the-art technologies for its customers in over 30 countries in Europe and the USA.
Corporate Communications