Brokdorf - E.ON AG

BrokdorfInformation on the Power Plant

Brokdorf nuclear power plantAbout 10 kilometers northwest of Glückstadt, where glaciermasses once pushed their way through today’s Elbe River Valley withunfathomable force during the Ice Age, a certain type of energy isproduced today, making life in this country quite a bit more pleasant:electric power, generated in the Brokdorf nuclear power plant.

3Contents4 | Nuclear power5 | Reducing the burden on the environmentand conserving resources6 | Safety8 | Controlled chain reaction10 | Chronicle12 | Reactor14 | Cooling15 | Technical specifications16 | Interim storage facility18 | Come talk to us

Nuclear powerElectricity is our lifeblood. Nothing works withoutit. Power translates into light, heat, energyand communications. Through all walks of life,be it in daily routines, on the job, during leisuretime or in the field of healthcare, we dependon electricity to be available without interruption—wheneverand wherever needed.Ensuring its constant and instant availabilityis the name of our game. Nuclear power plantsproduce base-load electricity. They are thusresponsible for the power that must be availableincessantly, around the clock, day and night—toserve homes, industry and commerce.Politicians decided in the 1960s to make use ofnuclear energy for civilian purposes. Their aimwas to broaden the primary energy mix, in partto become less dependent on natural resourcesfrom regions of political instability, and to generatelow-cost electricity in large power stationblocks. This decision forms the basis for anenergy mix that has proven sensible and efficientfor many a decade. It allows each energysource to play to its strengths in establishing itsplace in the mix. Combined, the agglomerationof energy fuels used—nuclear, coal, gas,hydropower along with the renewables thatround them out—guarantees a safe and reliablesupply of electricity.Power stations of E.ON Kernkraft, Europe’slargest privately owned nuclear energy company,ranked among the pioneers in Germany.In the early 1970s Würgassen and Stade werethe first commercially operated nuclear powerplants to be commissioned in Germany.Würgassen, a boiling-water reactor, was decommissionedin 1995, followed by Stade, a pressurized-waterreactor, in 2003.E.ON Kernkraft owns and has stakes inthirteen reactors in Bavaria, Lower Saxony andSchleswig-Holstein, making a decisive contributionto supplying Germany and Europe withelectricity—reliably, affordably and in anenvironmentally friendly manner.

5By opting for nuclear power, one scales back thecombustion and consumption of other valuableenergy sources such as coal, oil and gas, helpingto preserve our natural resources.One of the major challenges of our time isthe depletion of greenhouse gases, with carbondioxide (CO 2 ) leading the way. To mitigate therisks of global warming arising from the releaseof gases into the atmosphere, one must stiflethe sources of greenhouse gases as much aspossible.Nuclear power plant operations do not emitcarbon dioxide, or other pollutants such as carbonmonoxide, sulphur dioxide or nitrous oxide.Our facilities thus make a significant contributionto alleviating the environment of its burdensand proactively protecting our climate.Radioactive radiation has always been partof the natural environment of human beings.We come into contact with it every day, as itemanates from natural sources ubiquitously, be itfrom outer space, the sun or soil. Progress madein science and research has introduced ways ofmaking use of radioactivity for diagnostic andtherapeutic purposes in the field of medicine.Radioactive rays used in civilian applications areno different from those occurring in nature. Theyare omnipresent to us every day as well, regardlessof whether we are sitting in an airplane orin front of the television.Constant measuring and seamless controlsare a fixture in the daily operations of nuclearpower stations. Environmentally relevant data isincessantly mined, documented and passed on toindependent controlling bodies by every singleoperator as well as the authorities. Emissions producedby German nuclear installations are considerablylower than required by law. Nuclear powerstations account for less than 1 percent of aggregateemissions from civilian applications.Reducing the burden on the environmentand conserving resourcesAnnual human exposure to radiationNatural radiation sourcesmSvUniverse 0.3Food 0.3Soil 0.4Building materials 1.4Civilian radiationmSvNuclear power stations (immediate surroundings) 0.01Television sets and fluorescent tubes 0.01Five-hour flight 0.03Medicine 1.5mSv millisievert, unit of measurement for ionized radiation.

SafetyProtecting the general public from radioactiveemissions is on top of our list of precautionarymeasures. To this end, in Germany, the engineering,construction and operation of nuclearinstallations are subjected to extremely stringentregulations, which have enabled us toachieve the highest safety standards in theworld.The plant safety system in use at E.ON’snuclear power stations includes both passiveand active safety devices.Passive safety featuresPassive safety barriers encapsulate the radioactivematerial contained in the reactor core,regardless of the facility’s mode (even in theevent of malfunction), thus providing a reliableshield to the surroundings. Passive features runfrom the interior, consisting of gastight, pressure-resistantcasings for fuel assemblies, to thenuclear reactor building’s reinforced concreteouter shell.

7Passive safety featuresUranium oxide crystallatticeMetal fuel rod claddingtubesReactor pressure vesselintegrated in the coolingcycleSteel containmentstructureReinforced concreteouter shellActive safety featuresPassive safety features are supplementedby extensive, automated active safety systems.They are extremely reliable since they havemultiple redundancies, operate independentlyof each other, and are physically separatedfrom each other.This is true for the power station’s internalpower supply system and, more importantly,for reactor cooling systems, ensuring that heatis reliably dissipated no matter what state thepower plant is in. Such systems take over evenduring events that may appear inconsequentialbased on human rationale (such as the ruptureof a main cooling line). Reactor protectionsystems are the ‘brains’ of all active safetymeasures. They permanently monitor and compareall the plant’s key operating parameters.Once threshold values are exceeded, they triggerautomatic safety measures without theneed for human intervention. Examples of suchevents are the rapid power-down of a reactorand residual heat removal. Our level of reliabilityis reflected above all by our nuclear powerplants’ high degree of availability.

8Controlled chain reactionNuclear fissionHow water works as moderatorHigh-speedneutrons: no newnuclear fissionWater moleculesslow down theneutronsLow-speedneutrons: nuclearfission possibleWhereas heat is generated through combustionin coal, gas and oil-fired power stations, innuclear power plants, heat is produced from acontrolled chain reaction. In the reactor, atomiccores are split using neutrons. This sets freekinetic energy, which results in heat.To split a 235-grade uranium core, one must‘bombard’ the atomic core with neutrons.Nuclear fission occurs whenever a neutron isabsorbed or captured by a uranium core andthe neutron transfers enough energy to makethe core vibrate so much that it splits in two.Extremely dynamic forcesThe fission products fly in opposite directionsat high speed. This releases thermal energy.The uranium’s nuclear fission sets free anothertwo to three additional neutrons that fly off fastenough to enable them to split yet anotheruranium core. This triggers a chain reaction.

9The moderator as deceleratorIt is quite difficult for the high-speed neutronsto hit the 235-grade uranium cores. Therefore, inorder to ensure further nuclear fission (i.e. triggera chain reaction), one must ‘decelerate’ theneutrons, which is done through a processreferred to as ‘moderation.’ Once the fast fissionneutrons hit the atoms of the moderator (e.g.hydrogen), they lose speed, and although anabsorption process takes place, hardly anyneutrons are lost.No moderator, no chain reactionOnce water loss occurs in a reactor moderatedwith water, the reaction stops immediately—forsimple physical reasons. Since the high-speedneutrons are not ‘decelerated,’ they can nolonger split the 235-grade uranium cores.Absorption of surplus neutronsDuring each nuclear fission, a neutron mustbe created, capable of effecting the next fission.Since two to three neutrons are released duringeach fission process, however, the surplus onesmust be absorbed. The chain reaction can becontrolled and monitored by influencing thenumber of neutrons. This task is handled by controlrods made of neutron-absorbing material(such as boron), which are inserted into thereactor core. Their insertion depth determineshow many neutrons are absorbed. To halt theentire chain reaction, the control rods are simplypushed completely into the reactor core.Furthermore, the chain reaction can be sloweddown or interrupted by mixing boron intothe water.Controlling the chain reactionControl rods(shut-off rods)Water/boron mix

Chronicle

11Brokdorf nuclear power plant1972 Kraftwerk Union AG commences planning work1974 Construction permit application filed1975 Kernkraftwerk Brokdorf GmbH established1976 First partial clearance under German nuclear lawMajor demonstrations, construction halted temporarily1981 Construction begins in February1986 Continuous operation permit awardedCommercial commissioning1992 World champion in gross annual output1996 October: one hundred billionth kilowatt hour produced2003 Clearance under German nuclear law for theconstruction of an interim storage facility2004 Construction permit for the interim storagefacility obtained Construction begins2005 May: two hundred billionth kilowatt hour producedWorld champion in gross annual output2006 May: permit to increase thermal capacity from3,765 MW to 3,900 MW received2007 March: commissioning/first use of theinterim storage facility

12ReactorBasic principleNuclear power stations are part of the familyof thermal power plants. This is how they work:heat produces water vapor. This steam is putunder enough pressure to drive the turbine andthe generator connected to it. The generatorproduces electricity.E.ON Kernkraft operates two types of reactors:pressurized-water reactors and boilingwaterreactors.Brokdorf nuclear power plantElectricity generated using a pressurized-waterreactorPrimary cooling circuitIn this type of reactor, heat released by nuclearfission is absorbed by the water in the primarycircuit. The water is kept under high pressure,without evaporating. This explains the term‘pressurized-water reactor.’786513131121241 Reactor pressure vessel2 Primary coolant pump3 Steam generator4 Containment structure5 Fuel assembly storagepool6 High-pressure turbinesection7 Water separator andreheater8 Low-pressure turbinesection9 Generator10 Transformer11 Condenser12 Feedheater13 Feedwater pump14 Primary coolant pump

13910The reactor water is transferred to thefour steam generators at high pressure, releasingheat into the feedwater-steam circuit (alsoreferred to as the secondary cooling circuit).The steam generators’ heat pipes form a pressure-tightbarrier between the two circuits,preventing radioactive material from escapingfrom the primary circuit into the secondarycircuit. Once chilled in the steam generators,the reactor water is pumped back into thereactor by the main coolant pumps. This completesthe reactor cooling cycle.14Secondary cooling circuitThe heat fed into the steam generator bythe primary cooling circuit causes the waterin the secondary cooling circuit to evaporate.This steam drives both the turbine and thegenerator.Once the steam has passed through thelow-pressure turbines, it is condensed in thecondensers. The condensate is channeledthrough low-pressure preheaters to the feedwaterreservoir using condensate pumps. Here thefeedwater pumps take over, pushing the waterthrough high-pressure preheaters back to thesteam generators.

14CoolingWater obtained from the Elbe serves ascoolant for the condenser. Some 15,000 cubicmeters of water rush by the site every second,changing direction depending on the tide.The nuclear power station uses 60 cubic metersa second as cooling water.Water usage is subject to strict statutoryregulations: it may not be heated by more than10 degrees centigrade or exceed a total temperatureof 33 degrees centigrade. The maximumallowable temperature is especially importantin the summer. Whenever the limit is in dangerof being surpassed, the plant’s output must bereduced until the risk has been eliminated.To increase the water’s biological selfcleansingpowers, it is aerated before beingfed back into the Elbe, causing it to absorboxygen—a positive environmental effect.

15Technical specificationsBrokdorf nuclear power plantOwnerE.ON Kernkraft GmbH 80%Vattenfall Europe Nuclear Energy GmbH 20%Commercial commissioning December 22, 1986Total plantReactor typeNet installed capacityNuclear plantReactor pressure vesselDesign pressure above atmosphericInner diameterTotal heightCylindrical section wall thickness (including cladding)Total weightPressurized-waterreactor1,480 MW (gross)/1,410 MW (net)175 bar5,000 mm12,670 mm250 + 6 mm535 mtReactor coreFuel elements 193Total amount of uranium103 mtControl rods 61Steam generatorsQuantity 4Steam generated per unit536 kg/sSteam pressure at outlet67.0 barSteam temperature at outlet283.8°CReactor cooling systemCoolant pumps 4Average coolant temperature308.6°CContainment structureSphere diameterDesign pressure above atmosphericWall thickness56 m6.3 bar30 mmEngine plantTurbine and condenserHigh-pressure (HP) section 1Low-pressure (LP) section 3Speed 1,500 min -1Condenser coolant temperature rise10 KGeneratorOutput1,640 MVATerminal voltage27 kVPower factor (cos phi) 0.83Block transformersUnits 2Unit output780 MVAFrequency50 Hz

16Interim storage facilityCastor V/19 containerCross sectionThe interim storage facilities used to storenuclear fuel set up at the Brokdorf nuclearpower plant comply with the requirements setforth in the German Nuclear Energy Act, whichstipulates that a solution be found for the onsitestorage of spent fuel elements. The Germanfederal government’s aim behind this legislationwas to limit the number of radioactivematerial transports and ensure that such substancesbe stored safely until the federalgovernment has erected a final storage facility.The interim storage facilities are onlyintended for the fuel assemblies irradiatedat the Brokdorf site. All decommissioned fuelelements are kept in the nuclear power plant’sfuel cooling station for a pre-determined periodof time before they are placed in final storage.After approximately five years, they are packagedinto hermetically sealed, highly stablecontainers for interim storage.Dual lidsMain bodyFuel assembly basketModerator rodCooling finsContainersThanks to the engineering work that goesinto the casks, they are capable of withstandingextreme stresses and comply with all statutoryregulations as well as international control andsupervisory authorities.The first casks in use at Brokdorf are ofthe CASTOR V/19 variant. This model can accommodatea maximum of 19 fuel assemblies.Featuring a dual lid, it weighs some 126 metrictons, including its protective cladding. The containersare made from a single piece of expandablecast iron, and their walls and floors areabout 40 centimeters thick. A multilayereddecontamination paint coat is applied to protectthe casks from corrosion. Each container’soperating state is monitored continuously andseparately as well as documented. Each caskhas an envisaged storage time of no morethan 40 years.

18Come talk to usWe would be happy to welcome you to one of our power plants’ information centers.Presentations, films, models and guided tours will give you easy insight into the generationof electricity from nuclear fuel.Ask us questions and talk to us - we look forward to engaging in dialog with you.Our sitesNuclear power plantNuclear power plantdecommissioned anddismantling underwayE.ON Kernkraft GmbH,headquartersBrunsbüttelBrokdorfStadeUnterweserKrümmelEmslandGrohndeHannoverWürgassenGrafenrheinfeldGundremmingenBlock B and CIsar 1Isar 2

19Nuclear power plantsName Address Phone Reactor type Net Commercial Operator Shareholders/ownersinstalled commissionelectricingcapacityBrokdorf Osterende 0 48 29 - 75 25 60 Pressurized-water 1,410 MW 12/22/1986 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 80%25576 Brokdorf reactor GmbH Vattenfall EuropeNuclear Energy GmbH 20%Brunsbüttel Otto-Hahn-Straße 0 48 52 - 8 73 34 Boiling-water reactor 1.771 MW 02/09/1977 Kernkraftwerk Vattenfall Europe25541 Brunsbüttel Brunsbüttel Nuclear Energy GmbH 66.7%GmbH & Co OHG E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 33.3%Emsland Am Hilgenberg 0 5 91 -8061611 Pressurized-water 1,329 MW 06/20/1988 Kernkraftwerke RWE Power AG 87.5%49811 Lingen reactor Lippe-Ems GmbH E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 12.5%Grafenrheinfeld Kraftwerkstraße 0 97 23 - 62 22 06 Pressurized-water 1,275 MW 06/17/1982 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 100%97506 Grafenrheinfeld reactor GmbHGrohnde 31860 Emmerthal 0 51 55 -67 23 77 Pressurized-water 1,360 MW 02/01/1985 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 83.3%reactor GmbH Stadtwerke Bielefeld AG 16.7%Gundremmingen Dr.-August-Weckesser 0 82 24 -78 22 31 Boiling-water reactor 1,284 MW 07/19/1984 Kernkraftwerk RWE Power AG 75%Block B Straße 1 Gundremmingen E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 25%89355 Gundremmingen GmbHGundremmingen Dr.-August-Weckesser 0 82 24 - 78 22 31 Boiling-water reactor 1,288 MW 01/18/1985 Kernkraftwerk RWE Power AG 75%Block C Straße 1 Gundremmingen E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 25%89355 Gundremmingen GmbHIsar 1 Dammstraße 0 87 02- 38 24 65 Boiling-water reactor 1.878 MW 03/21/1979 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 100%84051 Essenbach GmbHIsar 2 Dammstraße 0 87 02 - 38 24 65 Pressurized-water 1,400 MW 04/09/1988 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 75%84051 Essenbach reactor GmbH Stadtwerke München 25%Krümmel Elbuferstraße 82 0 41 52 - 59 40 Boiling-water reactor 1,260 MW 03/28/1984 Kernkraftwerk Vattenfall Europe21502 Geesthacht Krümmel Nuclear Energy GmbH 50%GmbH & Co OHG E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 50%Stade Bassenflether Chaussee 0 41 41 - 77 23 90 Pressurized-water 630 MW Decommis- E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 66.7%21723 Bassenfleth reactor sioned and GmbH Vattenfall Europedismantling Nuclear Energy GmbH 33.3%underwaysince 2003Unterweser Dedesdorfer Straße 2 0 47 32 - 80 25 01 Pressurized-water 1,345 MW 09/06/1979 E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 100%26935 Stadland reactor GmbHWürgassen Zum Kernkraftwerk 25 0 52 73 - 3 80 Boiling-water reactor 640 MW Decommis- E.ON Kernkraft E.ON Kernkraft GmbH 100%37688 Beverungen sioned and GmbHdismantlingunderwaysince 1995

E.ON Kernkraft GmbHPO Box 4849 30048 Hannover GermanyTresckowstraße 5 30457 Hannover GermanyT +49-5 11-4 39-03 F +49-5 11-4 39-23 75www.eon-kernkraft.comBrokdorf nuclear power plantOsterende 25576 Brokdorf GermanyT +49-48 29-75 25-60 F +49-48 29-5 11ImprintPublisherE.ON Kernkraft GmbH, Hannover, GermanyEditorCorporate CommunicationsImage sourcesPeter Hamel, Hamburg, Germanytrend media TV, Isernhagen, GermanyE.ON Kernkraft archiveLayoutMaurer Werbeagentur, Hannover, GermanyProductionCarl Küster Druckerei GmbH, Hannover, GermanyEKK 05/2008Reproduction in part or in full subjectto editor approval.