Ascó nuclear power plant's Unit 1 connected to the electrical grid today at 10:12 AM, marking the start of its thirty-second operational cycle. This milestone follows the completion of activities related to its 31st Fuel Reload. ANAV has invested 27.5 million euros in this technical shutdown, during which approximately 1,000 workers were temporarily employed, more than half of whom are residents from the plant's surrounding area.
Among the most significant tasks carried out during the reload were the replacement of 60 out of the 157 elements that make up the reactor core. Additionally, the 'B' reactor coolant pump (BRR) motor was replaced, a general inspection of the BRR 'C' seals was performed, and the steam generators' secondary side was cleaned using the sludge lancing technique. Detailed inspections of 100% of the steam generator 'C' tubular bundle via eddy currents were also conducted, along with laser profilometry inspection of the thermal sleeves on the reactor vessel head. A test of the containment spray system, an operation performed every ten years, was also completed.
Regarding safeguard trains, the motors for both the 'A' and 'B' diesel generators were reviewed. In the secondary circuit, a major overhaul of the high-pressure turbine was performed, including the replacement of 16 blades, and the main condenser was inspected, among other tasks.
In total, ANAV executed over 11,000 work orders during this shutdown, incorporating 21 physical design modifications and 7 software modifications. These actions aim to maintain the plant in optimal safety and reliability conditions for the upcoming operational cycle. The next fuel reload for ANAV is scheduled for November, when CN Ascó II will undergo its 30th Fuel Reload.
