Czech state-controlled utility ČEZ said its Dukovany-1 nuclear reactor has started operating with an increased capacity as the result of an optimisation programme which has also resulted in power uprates at two other units at the four-unit site.

The company said engineers increased the temperature of the water in the primary circuit at Unit 1’s outlet by about 2°C from 298.4°C to 300.4 °C meaning the turbines can deliver 12 MW more electrical power “under optimal conditions”, taking its capacity from 500 MW to 512 MW.