BRATISLAVA, September 26, (WEBNOVINY) — Works on the so-called stress tests on Slovakia’s nuclear power plants continue. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (UJD) informed that Slovakia’s dominant power producer Slovenske Elektrarne is now focusing on completion of databases needed for further increase in security reserves of nuclear power plants. “Based on the arrangement of works on the stress tests, Slovenske Elektrarne should complete the assessment by the end of October with a subsequent elaboration of the comprehensive national report by the end of the year,” added the authority.
Slovak nuclear power plants have passed the so-called stress tests for now. “The stress tests have not identified any deficiencies that would require immediate remedial measures or a shutdown of operating nuclear power plants. Response of tested power plants to the stress tests corresponds with the required security level,” stated the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (UJD) in the interim national report that will be submitted to the European Commission.
UJD considers earthquakes to be a relevant security issue for both Slovak nuclear power plants in Jaslovske Bohunice and Mochovce. Their occurrence however is deemed unlikely, possibly once in thousand years. “Assessment of the security reserve against a possible future seismic activity is underway and will be summarized in the final national report,” stated the regulatory authority. Slovak nuclear power plants are not in danger of being flooded either. “As for floods, the only possible significant reason for both locations is extreme rainfalls. Topography of the location does not allow accumulation of water to levels where buildings important for safety are situated. No additional measures for protection of nuclear power plants against floods seem to be necessary,” stated the authority adding that possibilities of restricted measures against external floods are being inspected anyway.
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority confirmed that the stress tests have proven to be useful offering in-depth assessment of the security level of nuclear power plants in Slovakia with regard to potential threats caused by extreme natural elements. “Results of the stress tests affirmed that external events were selected in the initial project in line with state-of-the-art methods and that power plants’ projects can resist such events. In addition to that, the power plants have certain security reserves that are available and allow management of a projected accident without nuclear power plants being damaged or suffering any loss of containment’s integrity,” concluded the office.
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority elaborated the interim national report based on information provided by the operator of nuclear power plants Slovenske Elektrarne, a.s. (SE). Slovenske Elektrarne currently operates two nuclear power units in the V2 Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant and two nuclear power units of the Mochovce nuclear power plant. The third and fourth unit of the Mochovce NPP, which is currently under construction, has also passed the stress tests.
European nuclear regulatory authorities have agreed on the final version of stress tests on nuclear reactors in the EU with the aim to prevent the critical situation experienced by Japan after the March earthquake and tsunami. EU countries agreed at the end of May that all nuclear power plants on the territory of the European Community will undergo stress tests.
SITA
