The PPA CONTROLL Group is part of the biggest event in nuclear power in Slovakia! The fourth unit of our youngest nuclear power plant in Mochovce is undergoing the final stages of testing before commissioning. They verify the safety, quality and functionality of the power plant's systems and equipment, including the reactor pressure vessel, pipes, pumps and valves, and a significant milestone in this process is the cold hydro test. Behind its successful implementation is the team of our largest subsidiary PPA ENERGO, belonging to the PPA CONTROLL Group.
Photo Slovak Power Plant, Inc.: Reactor hall
What happened during the four stages of the cold hydrotest?
The process began on December 2, 2024, under the supervision of the supervisory authorities, and ended on December 31, 2024.
- Preparatory phase It included checking the initial state, filling and venting the systems, testing the tightness of the primary system and finally testing the auxiliary systems of the main circulation pumps.
- Block heating and pressure tests were part of the second stage. The main circulation pumps were started for the first time, the block was gradually heated to more than 120 °C, and the primary circuit was pressure tested to 13,7 MPa.
- Checking steam generators and chemical regime was carried out in the third stage. These activities were carried out in two parts, one of which was an extensive pressure test of the steam generators from the secondary circuit.
- Emergency systems and hermetic space tightness tests They completed the tests. Finally, both circuits were drained and the steam generators were preserved.
After the completion of the cold hydrotest, a small revision is underway, which is planned until February 21.2.2025, XNUMX, followed by a hot hydrotest.
This will end the inactive testing phase. After its successful completion, nuclear fuel loading will follow, which will begin a series of active tests. According to Martin Mráz, Director for Completion and Commissioning of Systems at Unit 4 Mochoviec, the unit is expected to be commissioned within two years.
Photos Slovak Power Plants, Inc.: Steam generator and impulse lines (PG and impulse tubes)
Meeting ambitious goals for energy self-sufficiency
The employees of the PPA CONTROLL group have been a significant participant in the construction of Mochoveci since 1987. The companies in the group have in the past provided and currently provide comprehensively: design, complete implementation of electrical systems and automation of energy and industrial technologies for measurements and regulation, as well as service work during shutdowns.
The project to complete units 3 and 4 was a test of the company's know-how of pan-European importance. Currently, this construction represents the largest private investment in Slovakia and its completion will help replace fossil fuels. The PPA CONTROLL Group thus contributes to the stability, safety and efficiency of the Slovak energy sector with its activities.
The third unit of the power plant has been in operation since 2023, the fourth unit should be launched within about two years. Their installed capacity is 471 MW, they will cover approximately 26 percent of our electricity consumption, without direct CO2 emissions. Mochovce will provide Slovakia with a stable and clean source of energy and will become an important player in the electricity production market, even beyond our borders.
