Slovenske Elektrarne Increased Output of 3rd Block at Mochovce NPP to 55 percent

Mochovce, April 1 (TASR) - Power utility Slovenske elektrarne (SE) increased the power of the third reactor block at Mochovce nuclear power plant (Nitra region) to 55 percent during the energy start-up stage, SE general director Branislav Strycek reported, adding that from the first connection to March 29, the block already produced more than 150 gigawatt hours of electricity. The complete functionality of the third block and the achievement of the project parameters will be confirmed by the successful completion of the 144-hour trial run phase at 100 percent performance. This milestone is expected to be reached between May and June of this year. At its current capacity, the new block of the power plant in Mochovce produces enough electricity to cover the consumption of almost three quarters of a million Slovak households. The new nuclear unit will have an installed capacity of 471 megawatts after it is fully started up, which will cover approximately 13 percent of Slovakia's total electricity consumption. From the point of view of electricity production, Slovakia will become energy self-sufficient already this year. According to Strycek, the supply of fuel for the nuclear power plant has improved significantly. "For this and next year, we've ensured all fuel loads. We also launched a tender for the supply of nuclear fuel from an alternative supplier, which is almost closed," stated the SE director, adding that most likely, it will be the American company Westinghouse. am/mcs