Temelin nuclear unit shut down for tests

The first unit of the Temelin nuclear power plant in South Bohemia was shut down overnight while tests were carried out on the operating equipment, a spokesman said on Saturday. The unit is expected to be reconnected to the network on Sunday. The equipment has been tested once a month in compliance with an order from the Czech Republic's nuclear authority in mid-2006. The Temelin plant, which started operation in 2000, has been repeatedly criticised by neighbouring Austria which says the plant, combining Soviet design and Western operating technology, is unsafe.