The gradual power ramp-up of the 2nd reactor of the Paks nuclear power plant began at 6pm on Monday, the plant said on its website.
NPP begins power ramp-up
The slow rise in the Danube’s water level in recent days and its temporary, moderate increase enabled experts to start the ramp-up, it added.
Blocks 1, 3 and 4 had to be shut down due to the Danube’s low water levels, while the 2nd block operated at 50 percent capacity for 11 days, the statement noted. Although staff were prepared to shut down the final reactor unit and proceed with safety cooling, the Danube’s current and projected water levels, along with related technical conditions, allowed the gradual power ramp-up of the 2nd reactor to begin on Monday evening.
Strict rules must be followed
The process follows strict procedures, they said, noting that just as the plant’s power was reduced step-by-step during the shutdown, the ramp-up also involves a multi-stage increase in reactor power. The operation is carried out by trained experts with extensive experience in such procedures, under continuous operational, safety and regulatory supervision, the statement added.
The reactor is expected to reach its nominal capacity of approximately 500 MW at 10pm on Monday, the statement said.
By around 7pm on Monday, the plant’s output had already exceeded 300 MW, according to the plant’s website.
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