Safety & Licensing

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The role of nuclear power in Slovakia where 45% of electricity is supplied from Bohunice nuclear power plant is significant. Recent development of consumption and forecasts show a shortage of electricity which has to be covered by import. Information will be presented on safety related events in the operation of four Bohunice VVER 440 units. Based on a comparison with past Bohunice safety experience and with Western PWRs, it will be shown that the Bohunice operation has been safe and reliable. To ensure a safe, reliable, ecological and economical power for future, several options were studied. The option with the lowest costs was decided to implement - to complete the Mochovce units in accordance with current international nuclear safety standards, to upgrade the safety of two V-1 Bohunice units with the deadline in 1999, and to modernize process equipment and safety systems at the two V-2 Bohunice units later on. By implementing safety upgrading of the V-1 Bohunice units 1 and 2, internationally acceptable safety level with regard to the recommendations of various safety missions will be achieved and their operation till the end of their design life time may be envisaged. The completion of the Mochovce unit 1 in June 1998 and unit 2 in June 1999 becomes a key environmental issue and a strategic concern for meeting future demands. Also the completion of the Mochovce units 3 and 4 is under consideration, with the aim not to exceed the import of 15% of the total consumption. A detailed information on particular measures being implemented at both V-1 Bohunice and Mochovce units will be shown.