Hinkley point B watch, and later closure.

[adam2]

Both reactors at Hinkley B are shut down for inspection of the graphite core.
At present reactor 7 is forecast to re start on December 14 and reactor 8 to restart on November 30.

As discussed elsewhere, the shutdown of the two reactors at Hunterston for a similar inspection has been prolonged with numerous delays.

I have therefore started this thread in order that we might keep an eye on Hinkley B and see if it reopens as expected.
The two reactors at Hinkley are well beyond their original design life, and one limiting factor is the cracking of the graphite blocks that form the core.

Under normal operating conditions such cracks are of no consequence. The concern is that an earthquake could distort the core and prevent full or correct insertion of the control rods.
That in turn could prevent a safe and controlled shutdown.
Various work arounds are possible including articulated control rods that should enter a distorted core, or reviewing the original design and deciding that a greater number of cracks are acceptable than was originally considered to be acceptable.

The lost output from Hinkley B is about 2% of UK peak demand, and is of little concern in the near term as demand is reduced by the pandemic.
In the longer term though less capacity could increase the risk of shortages.

[adam2]

First delay announced, one reactor is now forecast to re start on March 12 2021, no re start date for the other reactor announced.

[adam2]

Latest forecast for re starting is one reactor on March 21 and the other on March 24.

[kenneal - lagger]

They might have to start them to check that they work but it doesn't look like we will need the electricity. Unless they want to close another nuke for "maintenance", of course.

[adam2]

One reactor is now forecast to re start on April 11 rather than mid March as previously forcast.

Also final closure has been announced as "no latter than July 2022" Due to cracking of the graphite blocks in the reactor core. EDF had hoped to operate Hinkley B into 2023.

[adam2]

One reactor at Hinkley B re started a few days ago, other one due to re start in about 2 weeks.

[Potemkin Villager]

One reactor at Hinkley B re started a few days ago, other one due to re start in about 2 weeks.

I presume it is a slow process watching out for any alarms going off going from starting to pull the moderator rods up to
going on line at rated output.

[adam2]

Has now started with one reactor at reduced load "in preparation for end of power generation"

After considerable life extension, the end is now in sight. I am somewhat reassured that the operators have not bowed to political pressure to keep it open for longer.

[adam2]

One reactor at Hinkley B is now shutdown, for de fueling.

[BritDownUnder]

Could there be one final curtain call for the winter gas crisis of 2022/23 I wonder?

[adam2]

Could there be one final curtain call for the winter gas crisis of 2022/23 I wonder?

Well it certainly wont help, the second reactor is now shut down, so that is in the region of 2% of peak generating capacity, or 3% of average capacity lost.

[clv101]

Could there be one final curtain call for the winter gas crisis of 2022/23 I wonder?

Doubt it, the whole supply chain for refueling won't be able to spin up for another short notice extension.

[adam2]

Could there be one final curtain call for the winter gas crisis of 2022/23 I wonder?

Doubt it, the whole supply chain for refueling won't be able to spin up for another short notice extension.

And in the very unlikely event that another life extension WAS authorised, the inspections and approvals would probably prevent generation until after Winter.

Good thing that gas is cheap and plentiful

[kenneal - lagger]

.........
Good thing that gas is cheap and plentiful

And that nuclear is too cheap to meter?