• ČEZ outlines USD392 million plant modernisation plans Investment projects at Temelin - which has two VVER-1000 units which came into operation in 2000 and 2002 - will reach CZK3.8 billion (USD182 million) and include continued modernisation of the control system and completion of the switch to a longer fuel cycle, the company said in an announcement last month. • Following work which began in 2023, the second unit will switch to a 16-month fuel cycle in the spring, with the first unit to follow in the autumn. • Bohdan Zronek, Director of ČEZ’s Nuclear Energy Division, said: “Operation between shutdowns will be half a year longer than the original design. • This is a very important step in terms of the efficiency of the power plant’s operation.” A similar process was carried out at Dukovany in 2024 - lengthening the time between needing to shut down the units for refuelling means that output overall is increased. • The Temelin plant will also continue to transition to a new Westinghouse control system. • This process is taking place gradually across the two units, with a completion target of 2029.
Article Summaries:
- ČEZ announced a €392 million ($392 million) modernization programme for its two nuclear sites, Temelin and Dukovany. At Temelin, the company will invest CZK 3.8 billion (≈USD 182 million) to extend the fuel cycle to 16 months, upgrade the Westinghouse control system, and deploy AI tools that already save thousands of MWh annually. The upgrade is slated for completion by 2029. At Dukovany, ČEZ plans CZK 4.4 billion (≈USD 210 million) for turbine, pump and equipment refurbishment, including new welding, anti‑corrosion measures and drone‑based inspections, with the aim of boosting output and extending plant life to 60 years.
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