Adéla Chalupová

NPP Turbine Operator

Adéla, you are 27 years old NPP Turbine Operator.

What led you to this very specific field?

A series of lucky accidents, really — but I ended up exactly where I’m meant to be. I studied nuclear engineering and spent some time working in nuclear fuel research. I even went abroad for a lab internship. Back then, I never imagined I’d be running turbine at Temelín. But then I joined a two-week internship at the plant, did some psychological tests, and was offered a job as a turbine operator. I didn’t think twice.

I read that you once wanted to be a pilot, but then you have changed your focus and decided to study at the Czech Technical University in Prague where you majored in Nuclear Engineering Technologies. Why did nuclear engineering won over becoming a pilot?

Well, getting a pilot’s licence is not exactly cheap! I actually applied to study air transport, but I made a mistake on the application form — and ended up with nuclear engineering as my backup. I decided to give it a go, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve really found my place in it.

Have you always been drawn to engineering and science?

Absolutely. I was the kind of kid who loved maths and physics and always wanted to understand how things worked. My mum used to take me on technical trips — not to castles or museums, but to places like coal mines. I was much more into excavators in open-pit mines than tapestries.

What is the biggest challenge in your career?

The huge responsibility — not just for the technology, but for the people I send out to work on it. That, and the constant exams! You’ve got to keep your knowledge up to date at all times.

What or whom motivated you/ inspired you to pursue life of scientist and engineer?

I can’t think of one specific person, but my mum always supported me. She never said “this isn’t for girls” — quite the opposite. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am.

 At very young age you have already achieved astonishing success and high level job position as the NPP Turbine Operator. What will be next in your career? 

Once I’ve fully proved myself on the turbine side, I’d love to move on to the primary circuit — hopefully next year! And maybe, one day, I could even become the shift supervisor at the main control room. But that’s still a long way off — it takes loads of experience. For now, I’m genuinely enjoying what I do. I love the mix of responsibility, teamwork, and the buzz of the control room — it suits me perfectly.

You are also a board member at the Women in Nuclear Czech Republic organization. Can you tel us a little bit more about the organization and how do you support women in nuclear in Czech Republic?

Yes! Women in Nuclear Czech Republic is a great network of women working across the nuclear sector. We organise workshops, talks, and site visits. I’m also involved with a group called „South Bohemian Dads“ — they do brilliant science outreach for kids, including summer camps. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of separating careers into “men’s” and “women’s” jobs. If someone’s good at what they do, that should be enough.

What was the biggest challenge for you on your professional journey so far?

The two-year operator training, hands down. It involved theory, hands-on training on-site, simulator sessions, and loads of exams. Oh, and those 4 a.m. alarms for morning shifts — that’s a challenge in itself.

You have been working in ČEZ since 2022, where you started as a NPP Turbine Operator Trainee and now, as mentioned, you are (one) of the Turbine Operators, which I can imagine is a very challenging job where you have a huge responsibilities.I guess you have to be super organized and analytical person? What other characteristics one should have if they want to pursue similiar career path?

Definitely focus, willingness to learn, and the ability to handle routine — but also to think fast in a crisis. Most importantly, you have to enjoy it. Without that, the pressure would be too much.

If you could inspire one girl/ woman who wants to follow her professional dream, what will be your advice?

Don’t be afraid. Don’t choose the easiest path just because it’s easy. The best things often lie just beyond the tough bits. You might even find a job you genuinely love.

Is there a quote, podcast or book that you would recommend to anyone who might be little bit lost and not sure which way to build their career? 

I don’t have a favourite quote, but maybe something like: “Do the thing that scares you — until it doesn’t.” And surround yourself with people who support you but also push you to grow.