Sizewell B closure could cost millions

A power company could lose tens of millions of pounds if problems at the Sizewell B nuclear power station force it to remain closed until September.

Owners EDF Energy have confirmed that the station, which closed at the end of March after higher-than-average moisture levels were recorded in the containment building, is not expected to be up and running until the third quarter of 2010.

Engineers from across the world are working to repair the damage and while EDF has refused to comment on how much money might be lost in electricity sales, it has been suggested that the power station could lose up to £350,000 a day.

A statement from EDF Energy said: “The scope of the required repair work has now been agreed and will involve removing a number of failed heaters from the pressuriser.

“Two repair techniques are being developed and the timing of the return to service of the station will depend on which technique is eventually chosen to be deployed.

“It is now expected that return to service of this unit will be during the third quarter of 2010, resulting in a total loss in the range between four and six terawatts per house.”

Jim Crawford, Sizewell B station director, said: “Investigative work on the pressuriser has gone well and provided us with valuable information which has helped determine our repair strategy.

“To assist with the repair strategy fuel has been safely removed from the reactor and placed in the fuel storage pond whilst repairs are completed.”

Representatives from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency have said they are satisfied with Sizewell's response to the incident.

The Journal24