Europe's largest nuclear plant faces critical safety risks after weeks without external power
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (photo: Getty Images)
A critical nuclear safety situation persists at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The prolonged operation of backup diesel generators increases the risk of failure of equipment necessary for the safe operation of the plant, Energoatom's press service reported.
According to the company, the actual condition of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicates a systemic violation of basic nuclear safety principles.
On September 5, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi announced a local ceasefire near the plant, necessary to carry out work to restore external power supply, which has been unavailable since August 20.
Energoatom emphasized that this is already the 27th complete loss of power at the plant since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. After losing external power, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was forced to switch to diesel generators.
The company also noted that emergency generators have been used as the plant's main source of electricity for more than two weeks. At the same time, they are operating outside their design conditions.
Why prolonged operation of diesel generators is dangerous
According to Energoatom, prolonged use of backup systems increases the risk of equipment failure due to a common cause. Such a scenario is among the most dangerous threats to nuclear safety.
"Constant cyclical starts and switching under load significantly increase the likelihood of failure of the automatic start systems," the company said.
Energoatom emphasized that all power units at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are currently in a state of "cold shutdown." At the same time, the prolonged loss of power creates a risk of losing control over the plant's key safety systems.
These include, in particular, systems that monitor spent nuclear fuel storage pools and other important technological parameters.
The company also noted that each new blackout at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant further worsens the technical condition of the equipment, including the diesel generator units that currently provide backup power to the plant.
What is happening at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
On the night of August 20, the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 27th blackout.
Since the seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russian forces have used the plant's territory for military purposes.
According to the Ukrainian side, weapons and equipment are stationed at the facility, and attack drones are also launched from there, creating additional risks to nuclear safety.
