Zwentendorf power plant facts for kids
The Zwentendorf power plant is a special nuclear power plant located in Zwentendorf an der Donau, Austria. What makes it unique is that it was built but has never been used to make electricity. This happened because the people of Austria voted against using it in 1978.
Contents
Why Zwentendorf Never Opened
The Big Vote of 1978
The Zwentendorf power plant was finished in 1978. It was ready to start producing electricity. However, many people in Austria were worried about nuclear power. They had concerns about safety and what would happen to nuclear waste.
Because of these worries, the Austrian government decided to let the people vote. This type of vote is called a referendum. On November 5, 1978, Austrians voted on whether to start up the Zwentendorf plant. It was a very close vote! Only a small number of votes separated the two sides. In the end, 50.47% of the voters said "No" to using the plant.
The Decision to Stay Nuclear-Free
After the vote, the Austrian government decided to respect the people's choice. They passed a law that stopped the Zwentendorf plant from ever being used. This law also made it illegal to build any other nuclear power plants in Austria. Because of this, Austria became a country that does not use nuclear energy.
What Zwentendorf Is Used For Today
Even though it never made electricity, the Zwentendorf plant is still useful.
A Place for Spare Parts
The Zwentendorf plant was built with many parts that are similar to those in other nuclear power plants around the world. Today, it acts like a giant spare parts warehouse. If another nuclear power plant of the same type needs a part, they can often get it from Zwentendorf. This is especially helpful for plants in Germany.
Training Future Workers
The plant is also used for training. People who work at other nuclear power plants can come to Zwentendorf to learn. They can practice how to operate the equipment and handle different situations in a safe environment. Since the plant is not active, it's a perfect place for hands-on learning without any risks.
From Nuclear to Solar Power
In 2009, the Zwentendorf power plant got a new purpose. It was turned into a solar power plant. Thousands of solar panels were installed on the site. Now, the plant that was supposed to make nuclear energy actually makes clean, renewable energy from the sun! This is a great example of how old buildings can be given a new, green life.
Not Open to the Public
While the plant is used for training and solar energy, it is generally not open for public visits. However, sometimes special events or tours are organized.
The Replacement Power Plant
Because the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant was never used, Austria still needed more electricity. So, in 1987, a coal power plant was built nearby to help meet the country's energy needs.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant during the Save the World Awards in 2009
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Control rod mechanism on the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel of the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant
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View into the reactor pressure vessel
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Low pressure turbines
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Control panel in the control room of the Plant
See also
In Spanish: Central nuclear de Zwentendorf para niños
