Insurance survey Paks NPP, Hungary

26-28 March 2013, an international insurance survey was held at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Paks NPP), Hungary.There are four units with VVER-440 in operation, that were uprated to increase the capacity from 440 MWe to 500 MWe each.

At the time of survey all the units were in operation at rated power. In this case, by virtue of the comfortable weather conditions for turbines, with 100% of the reactors power, turbines carry the increased load on the total until 2045 MWe nuclear power plant, 45 MWe of the project and 285 MWe more installed initially.

The participants of the survey:

• Thorsten Leubert  - German Nuclear Pool DKVG - Team leader [MBE]

• Robert  Abt - German Nuclear Pool DKVG [MBM]

• Sergey Babenko - Russian Nuclear Insurance Pool (FIR)

• Artem Zakharov - Ukrainian Nuclear Insurance Pool (NSO)

• Tomas Horyna - Czech Nuclear Insurance Pool (FIR Observer)

• Atilla Olah - Hungary Nuclear Insurance Pool  (Coordinator)   

The main purpose of the survey was to assess the insurance risk of 4 blocks Paks to place insurance coverage of third party liability for nuclear risks and the correspond MD risk. Also the inspectors reviewed nuclear safety, level of the reactor operation and nuclear-and radiation-hazardous related safety-equipment, inspected the main facilities, equipment and systems, the state of fire safety. Experts noted the good condition of the plant and noted a number of positive experiences and good practices implemented at the station. While inspecting the fire station, located in the plant, it was noted the good condition of the fire department and its adequate technical equipment and staff training. Fire inspectors also presented a valid mobile information multifunctioning computer system supporting the work of the fire brigade at the facility. This system is autonomous and installed on the command car that can be used in any requested area.

Experts thank the management and employees of the Paks NPP for the good organization of the survey.