Excursion to the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant

At approximately 8:15 we were picked up in front of the school by a bus provided by ČEZ and we set off in the direction of Temelín.

We got off at the Renaissance castle Vysoký Hrádek, which houses an information centre. After watching an informative video (the principle of nuclear power plant operation, the principle of fission reaction) in the cinema hall, the guide divided us into two groups. We were not allowed to take anything with us to the plant (not even mobile phones). So we locked all our things in the cloakroom and went on the excursion.

It's not easy to get into JETE. At the entrance we were divided into smaller groups. Each group was accompanied by a lady guide and a security guard. We had to go through the security frames we know from the airport, and one member of each group had to pass an alcohol test. If the test was positive, none of our group would be allowed in. We then had to stop for a few more seconds in the frame that measures radioactivity (the value is then compared when we leave the plant).

Fortunately, everything went well and the tour of the area could begin. First, we walked around the buildings outside and the guide showed us where the plant management was located, where the health centre was, the canteen, etc. We also passed a couple of entrances to the safety shelters, but unfortunately we couldn't look into them. In case of need, the shelters have a 72-hour supply of water. Next we came to the cooling towers, which are the main landmark of JET. Our guide told us one curiosity - a catfish was once found in the cooling tower. There are still debates about how it could have got there.

Then we headed inside the power plant. The most interesting place was the engine room. This is where the main equipment of the secondary circuit is located, including the turbine-generator. There was quite a lot of noise in the engine room, so we got earplugs instead.  

Unfortunately, on the day of our tour we did not get to the promised simulator of the command centre. Hopefully next time!

On the way back, our guide again told us a lot of interesting information. For example, that the whole JETE complex must be constantly supplied with several buses to take employees to safety in case of a crisis situation; or that many rabbits live in the fenced area and from time to time a trapping is organized.

After returning to the chateau, we visited the exhibition in the information centre. Our class teacher Mgr. Mirka Kováříková and Mr. teacher Ing. Radek Mareš. The whole excursion was very interesting!