Also called as GKN II, the unit was taken off the grid on 25 October, as a precautionary step for testing after measurements in the the power plant’s primary circuit indicated a defective fuel element.
Apart from identifying one fuel element that was exchanged due to the slightly elevated escape of inert gas, the testing, however, could not find any evidence of damage on the exterior of the fuel element.
The work performed to date showed that the emissions measured were significantly below permissible daily discharge values, and additional testing is scheduled to be carried out.
Operated by EnKK, the Neckarwestheim Unit II is a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with an electric output of 1,400MW.
Commissioned in 1989, the Neckarwestheim NPP has produced more than eleven billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2012.
