2nd unit of Paks NPP (Hungary) restarted

09.01.2007 // PR Directorate of TVEL OJSC

On Jan 1 the Nuclear Energy Agency of Hungary sanctioned the restart of the 2nd unit of Paks NPP, suspended in Oct 2006 for recovery work at well #1

The recovery work — more specifically, the removal of damaged fuel from well #1 — was carried out by Russian specialists under a contract between Paks and TVEL OJSC (as was reported earlier, 99% of the fuel has already been removed). Deputy Director General of Paks Istvan Hamvas says that the work will be finished in the second half of Jan.

The incident at Paks NPP took place Apr 10 2003. Some 30 fuel rod cassettes were damaged when washed out by Framatome NP (presently AREVA NP) technology and equipment. The contract for recovery of the 1st well of the 2nd reactor was made by Paks and TVEL in Sept 2003. The final stage was started on Oct 15.

Paksi Atomeromu ZRt. is the only NPP in Hungary. It has 4 VVER-440 reactors built in 1983–1987 and generates 35% of the country’s electricity. The plant meets all international exploitation standards. TVEL has been supplying the plant with fuel throughout its operation.