The Transfer of Fuel Elements from the Reactor Vessel Begins; the Elimination of the Deviation will Follow

At the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, preparations for the removal of fuel elements from the reactor vessel have been completed. Over the next few days, all 121 fuel elements that make up the core of the reactor will be placed in the Spent Fuel Pool. Then, at the end of the week, conditions will be established in the containment for various inspections of 4-inch pipelines, for the necessary analyses and replacement of them.

In cooperation with domestic and international institutions and companies, a conservative decision was made to replace parts of 4-inch pipelines. Westinghouse, the original equipment supplier, will repair the pipelines and the domestic industry will provide support. Roughly 100 contractors will participate, who will first undergo the necessary training. The Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration together with authorized organizations will monitor all work. The necessary material (pipelines and reducing elements) that meets the required standards for installation in the primary circuit of the power plant will be at the Krško NPP in the next few days.

As we reported last week, we at the Krško NPP set ourselves the goal of completing all work professionally and with high quality in about a month. We plan to reconnect the power plant to the grid in mid-November.