The Temelin and Dukovany nuclear power plants (NPP) in the Czech Republic meet the requirements of international environmental protection standards – according to the main conclusion of a recertification audit conducted by the international certification firm, Det Norske Veritas.
During the audit, extending over several days, experts focused on the entire environmental protection system. This included verifying the system’s legal compliance, auditing documentation, as well as checking how environmental protection is ensured during the power plants’ operation. Auditors inspected individual operations, such as the cooling water treatment station, chemical water treatment station, waste management, central oil and diesel management, sewerage and the emergency preparedness system.
“The audit has shown compliance with the EMS standard requirements. The power plant’s management and employees understand the risks associated with individual operations, as well as their environmental impact, and they have been covered to a high standard,” said Zdeněk Grabmüller, the audit team lead, from Det Norske Veritas.
“Security and environmental protection are our key priorities. We invest tens of millions of Czech crowns in that area, both in direct connection with nuclear energy and otherwise,” said Bohdan Zronek, member of CEZ’s Management Board and Head of the Nuclear Energy Division.
According to the operator of the power plants, the CEZ Group, the environment is an “important topic” at Temelin. In addition to preventive security measures, the management of the South-Bohemian power plant focuses on energy savings.
“We are finding optimal methods of operating the pumps, we are insulating buildings, replacing old lamps with energy-saving types, saving water, or reusing it in the small hydroelectric plant at Kořensko, before it is returned to the River Vltava. This helps us achieve annual savings corresponding to an annual consumption equivalent to that of a small town,” added Jan Kruml, Director of the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant.
The Dukovany NPP has held the environmental management system (EMC) certificate since 2001, whilst the Temelin NPP has had it since 2004. The new certificate is valid for 3 years. On an annual basis, during interim audits, the power plants must document to auditors their compliance with the requirements of the international standards.
