Paks :	|	Operating History	|	Technical Activities	|	Accomplishments	|

Paks Operating History

An IAEA team reviewing Unit 3 in 1988 noted several indicators of good performance: The unit's cumulative availability was above 86%; the unit had no events requiring the use of redundant safety systems; and unplanned outages during 14 reactor-years of operation numbered 27, extremely low by international comparison. In a follow-up visit a year later, the IAEA team noted that management-initiated plant modifications and upgraded procedures would help Paks maintain and improve its safety record. The team also noted that management had recognized the importance of nuclear information exchange and had begun several programs to increase the flow of operating experience among plant operators. The team added that Paks' management was committed to operating the plant at the highest possible safety levels.

The Paks plant has raised its performance level with the help of a new full-scope simulator. Plant management uses the simulator not only to train staff but also to test emergency procedures. Following such a test in 1990, management made significant improvements to these procedures.

Hungary's current contract with Russia for fuel supply runs until 1999. Under new legislation, the Paks plant must create a two-year fuel reserve and must begin purchasing new fuel in 1996.

A new modular vault dry storage system has been licensed and constructed at the Paks plant, relieving the plant of complete dependence on shipments of its spent fuel to Russia.

Source: Source Book: Soviet-Designed Nuclear Power Plants in Russia, Ukrane, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria, 4th edition. Nuclear Energy Institute. 1996. (online)

Paks :	|	Operating History	|	Technical Activities	|	Accomplishments	|