Magnox Electric Ltd

Oldbury's Reactor 2 returns to service

30 September 2007

Oldbury Power Station has started generating electricity again after successfully transferring steam to its number one turbine.

The site has been off-line since early July after a vibration was discovered in turbine number two.

Reactor 2 and turbine one were synchronised to the National Grid at 9.44 yesterday morning (August 23) and is now supplying power to the grid.

The plant is designed to achieve crossovers such as this one, but a thorough programme of work has taken place to ensure that the plant was ready for the crossover procedure to take place.

Plant Manager Pete Harper said: “As ever safety remains our number one priority at Oldbury.

“The staff have worked very hard to ensure a safe and professional restart to our generation.”

Extensive work has been carried out on turbine 2 following the discovery of the vibration and a programme of re-building work is now underway.

“I am extremely pleased with how the start up has proceeded, and the fact that we were able to restart ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved,” added Pete.

“Continuous safety assessments are part of the routine work carried out on site and we will of course continue to monitor the situation.”

Oldbury has also now completed the safety case for reactor 1 and this is now with the NII for their assessment.

ENDS

For further information please contact Zoe Young, Communications, Oldbury Power Station on 01454 893322 or via email: zoe.young@magnoxnorthsites.com