Regulator allows Czech nuke plant to raise output
Date: 24-Dec-01
Country: CZECH REPUBLIC
CEZ has been gradually raising output at the Soviet-made 1,000 megawatt reactor, built just 60km from the Austrian border, since launching it late last year.
It was running at 75 percent of capacity last week, the highest level previously allowed by the SUJB.
The plant has strained relations with nuclear-free neighbour Austria, which wants it decommissioned on the grounds it is unsafe.
The Czechs have pledged to boost the plant's safety in order to end an Austrian bid to block talks on the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union.
Temelin has two Soviet-designed VVER 1,000 reactors and a U.S. control system. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said the station is safe to operate.
The plant's second reactor is still under construction.
