BKW submits application for extension and comprehensive maintenance concept for long-term operation

Mühleberg Nuclear Power Plant

On 9 August 2012, BKW Inc. submitted to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) an application for extension and a comprehensive maintenance concept for the long-term operation of Mühleberg nuclear power plant. This complies with a requirement stipulated by the Federal Administrative Court in its ruling of 1 March 2012 (which was contested by BKW). The application for extension is a precautionary measure to ensure the continued operation of Mühleberg nuclear power plant even in the event that the Federal Court does not overturn the Federal Administrative Court's judgement. In addition to the investments in annual maintenance work and replacements, BKW expects the planned upgrade measures to cost around CHF 170 million.

14 August 2012

The maintenance concept primarily covers the analyses and upgrade concepts already submitted to the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI). Maintenance of Mühleberg nuclear power plant has been an ongoing task for BKW since the facility first went into operation, and maintenance work has been planned and carried out at the plant at regular intervals throughout its years of operation. As part of the latest regular safety check in 2010 (PSÜ2010), ENSI submitted a report on the plant's long-term operation along with an appropriate maintenance concept. The maintenance concept which has now been submitted to DETEC covers the following aspects:
  • PSÜ2010 report on long-term operation
  • Maintenance concept for the core mantle
  • Concept for upgrading a diversionary heat sink (Saanental ground water catchment, elevated reservoir etc.)
  • Concept for upgrading an alternative fuel pool cooling system, an additional residual heat removal system and fault-proof fuel pool instrumentation
  • Earthquake safety concept including maintenance work on the Mühleberg hydroelectric power plant dam.
By submitting the concept, BKW is meeting the requirements stipulated by the Federal Administrative Court. All the required documents for BKW's application for the further operation of Mühleberg nuclear power plant beyond 28 June 2013 are therefore now in the hands of the authorities. BKW expects the cost of the planned upgrade measures to amount to around CHF 170 million. Added to this are the maintenance and replacement costs of around CHF 20 million per year for the next ten years. The statements contained in this press release constitute expectations and forward-looking statements. Because these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties; actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the expectations and statements.This media release is issued in German, French, English and Italian.The German version is authoritative.