The RSK determined the voting for the 71st meeting of the KTA on 22.11.2016. The statements on monitoring of know-how and motivation loss and appropriate measures for strengthening the motivation and maintaining know-how in the nuclear energy sector (Monitoring von Know-How- und Motivationsverlust und geeignete Maßnahmen zur Stärkung von Motivation und Know-How-Erhalt im Kernenergiesektor) (available in German only) and lightning with parameters exceeding the standardised lightning current parameters (Blitze mit Parametern oberhalb der genormten Blitzstromparameter) (available in German only) were adopted.

The RSK discussed how to handle new information relating to the Belgian plants Doel-3 and Tihange-2.

Furthermore, the 70th KTA meeting on 10.11.2015 was prepared. The consultations on the recommendation on requirements with respect to spent fuel pool cooling (Anforderungen an die Brennelement-Lagerbeckenkühlung) were continued. The robustness analysis working group informed the RSK on having completed the evaluation of the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima.

The RSK was informed about the consultations of the Committee on PRESSURE-RETAINING COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (DKW) on reportable event ME 04/2015 concerning the loosening of a fuel rod bundle from the fuel assembly head (Lösen eines Brennstabbündels vom Brennelementkopf) at the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant as well as on the clarification of causes and the corrective measures taken. Furthermore, the Committee DKW informed about the status of work on the issue of flaws in the reactor pressure vessels of the Belgian nuclear power plants Doel-3 and Tihange-2 detected during ultrasonic inspections (Ultraschallanzeigen am Reaktordruckbehälter der belgischen Kernkraftwerke Doel-3 und Tihange-2). On this issue, the RSK adopted a preliminary brief assessment. The statement on damage to fuel assembly alignment pins and core components ("Schäden an Brennelement-Zentrierstiften und Kernbauteilen") has to be revised due to more recent documents.

The RSK was informed about reportable event ME 02/2016 concerning the mechanical abrasion on the rotating assembly of a residual heat removal pump (Mechanischer Abtrag am Laufzeug einer Nachkühlpumpe) at the Grohnde NPP. The Committee on PRESSURE-RETAINING COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (DKW) will continue consultations on the event. The aspect of MTO will be addressed by the Committee on REACTOR OPERATION (RB). The statement on damage to fuel assembly alignment pins and core components (Schäden an Brennelement-Zentrierstiften und Kernbauteilen) (in German) was discussed and adopted. The discussion on the statement on evaluating the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima (Bewertung der Umsetzung von RSK-Empfehlungen im Nachgang zu Fukushima) was continued.  Regarding the draft on the statement on monitoring of know-how and motivation loss and appropriate measures for strengthening the motivation and maintaining know-how in the nuclear energy sector (Monitoring von Know-How- und Motivationsverlust und geeignete Maßnahmen zur Stärkung von Motivation und Know-How-Erhalt im Kernenergiesektor) of the Committee on REACTOR OPERATION (RB), this committee was asked for extended editing.

The 482nd RSK meeting was held in Berlin. The RSK was informed about the current status of consultations on the Belgian plants Doel-3 and Tihange-2 in the Committee on PRESSURE-RETAINING COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (DKW) as well as on the consultations on the topic of lightning with parameters above the standard lightning current parameters of the Committee on ELECTRIC INSTALLATIONS (EE). The main topics of consultations of the four RSK committees were presented. The RSK started consultations on the statement on damage to fuel assembly alignment pins and core components ("Schäden an Brennelement-Zentrierstiften und Kernbauteilen").

The consultations on the statement on evaluating the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima (Bewertung der Umsetzung von RSK-Empfehlungen im Nachgang zu Fukushima) were continued, and the statement on aspects of the determination of the site-specific design basis flood (Aspekte der Ermittlung des standortspezifischen Bemessungshochwassers) (in German) was discussed and adopted.

After having heard the Reactor Safety Commission (RSK), the BMUB appointed Mr. Rudolf Wieland as Chairman and Mr. Richard Donderer as Vice Chairman of the RSK. The RSK was informed about the workshop of FANC on the restart of Doel-3 and Tihange-2 reactor units.

The consultations on the statement on evaluating the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima (Bewertung der Umsetzung von RSK-Empfehlungen im Nachgang zu Fukushima) were started.

The Committee on PRESSURE-RETAINING COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (DKW) informed the RSK on the consultations on the full system decontamination of the Biblis nuclear power plant, Unit A, as well as on a reportable event in the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant: “Loosening of a fuel rod bundle from the fuel assembly head”. The recommendation on requirements with respect to spent fuel pool cooling (Anforderungen an die Brennelement-Lagerbeckenkühlung) (in German) was adopted. The robustness analysis working group presented its evaluation scheme for evaluating the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima.

The BMUB informed the RSK that the first meeting of the German-Belgian Nuclear Commission will be held on 7/8 June to present, among other things, results of RSK discussions on the topic of flaws in the reactor pressure vessels of the Belgian nuclear power plants Doel-3 and Tihange-2 detected during ultrasonic inspections (Ultraschallanzeigen in den Reaktordruckbehältern (RDB) der belgischen Kernkraftwerke Doel-3 und Tihange-2). The RSK was informed about the extent of the components affected by elevated carbon contents (in particular steam generators) in French plants; in addition, documents had been falsified at the manufacturer’s. The RSK began the consultation on the statement on component cooling water and service water systems (Zwischen- und Nebenkühlwassersysteme).

The statement on the evaluation of the implementation of RSK recommendations in response to Fukushima (Bewertung der Umsetzung von RSK-Empfehlungen im Nachgang zu Fukushima) is to be revised on the basis of further information submitted again for consultations. The statement on component cooling water and service water systems (Zwischen- und Nebenkühlwassersysteme) was adopted, SWR-specific aspects will be added in a forthcoming meeting.