The company said key projects include longer periods between fuel outages, modernising control systems and preparations for generator replacement. ČEZ plans to extend the operating cycle at Temelín from the current one year to about 18 months.
In total, ČEZ has planned 271 “investment events” for Temelín in 2023 – 46 more than last year.
Since the first Temelín unit began commercial operation in 2002, ČEZ has invested over CZK28 bn in the modernisation of the station. The second unit began commercial operation in 2023.
Earlier this month ČEZ said it plans to invest more than CZK2.3bn in the Dukovany nuclear power station in 2023 – almost CZK500m more than last year with investments primarily aimed at ensuring the station’s four units can continue to operate until at least 2047.
Framatome Contract For DukovanyA contract with Framatome, announced this week, will see the modernisation of the existing instrumentation and control (I&C) Spinline testers for safety systems at the four units at Dukovany.
Spinline is a Framatome-designed modular digital solution for safety I&C systems. It is specifically designed to implement the safety functions that are critical for the performance and reliability of nuclear power plants, such as the reactor protection system, reactor trip system, engineered safety features actuation system and the neutron instrumentation system.
Dukovany and Temelín, which have six units between them, produce over 30 TWh of electricity a year, providing more than 37% of the country’s generation.
In March 2022, ČEZ launched a tender process to choose a supplier for a new nuclear power unit at Dukovany.
Construction of the new unit should begin in 2029 and be completed by 2036. Industry minister Jozef Síkela said it would be the biggest investment in the modern history of the Czech Republic. The project could cost around €6bn.
The Temelín nuclear power station in the Czech Republic. Courtesy ČEZ.