Mühleberg Nuclear Power Plant - Decision on upgrade of nuclear power plant will only be possible by late 2013
Bern (ots)
BKW is undertaking additional investigations to safeguard the longterm operation of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant (KKM). This is necessary since the initial indicative tenders show that the original estimated costs of 170 million CHF will be exceeded. An assessment of economic viability and a decision on the Mühleberg upgrade projects are planned by the end of 2013. BKW has informed the Bern government about the new situation.
BKW is now working on a new implementation plan based on the initial indicative tenders for the safety-related upgrade work required at the Mühleberg plant. The tenders first need to be carefully analysed. This will involve determining, in consultation with external experts and the safety authorities, whether the proposed measures for which tenders have been made are necessary and sufficient. Moreover, due to lack of competition among the suppliers, careful investigations regarding price fixing need to be undertaken before the results of the economic viability audit and the application for execution of the work can be submitted to the Board.
In its original schedule, BKW assumed that the essential information would be available by mid-2013 for the Board to make a decision. The situation with tenders now appears to be significantly more complex. Furthermore, the period for which the upgrade needs to be planned, and which authorities will be responsible for the final assessment will only become clear after the decision of the Federal Court on the time limit for the operating permit for KKM. The decision process has therefore been delayed by at least six months until the end of 2013. BKW has informed the Governing Council of the Canton of Bern and the regulatory authorities directly about this situation.
Contact:
Antonio Sommavilla, Tel. no: +41 79 743 96 01