GE modernizes Hungary's nuclear plant

GE’s Power Services has successfully modernized the fifth generator at the 2,000 MW Paks Nuclear Power Plant, located 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Budapest, Hungary. The generator refurbishment of the nation's only nuclear power station is expected to extend the asset’s life and help increase the reliability of the plant. This generator refurbishment is part of GE’s agreement to service eight generators — one per year through 2021.

“We are very excited to complete the fifth generator modernization and extend its life 20 years helping to support Hungary’s growing electricity needs,” said Pascal Schweitzer, general manager, GE’s Power Services, Europe. “The project showcases our ability to service other OEM generators in existing nuclear power plants as well as our readiness to support modernizing Paks’ station generators.”

As part of the agreement, which began in 2013 and runs through 2021, GE will service the station’s eight, 250 MW, Ganz-supplied generators in the station’s four nuclear reactor units (Paks units 1-4), plus one spare generator. The generators were commissioned between 1982 and 1987.

GE performed the work at its generator services facility in Budapest, utilizing the skills and expertise of both the GE Hungary teams as well as several local subcontractors. High-speed balancing of the generators is performed at GE’s services facility in Wroclaw, Poland.

GE has completed retrofits on 257 steam turbines installed at 103 nuclear power plant units.