Construction and operating experience with the 300-MW THTR nuclear power plant

Abstract After a long construction period which was mainly induced by changing safety and licence requirements, the THTR 300 nuclear power plant was successfully commissioned after starting electricity generation in November 1985. Evalution of the operating experience reveals absolutely positive results: the principal design data have been achieved; the principal design of the large pebble bed reactor was confirmed. Shut down of the plant after the generation of 2.9 million MWh and 423 full power days is due to financial risk of the prototype plant.