Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant's Longest Outage Since War Raises Safety Fears
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, has been offline for ten days, its longest date since the start of the war in February 2022. Both Ukraine and Russia agree on the need for repairs but emphasize the importance of improved security for technicians. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been in urgent talks with both countries to resolve the issue.
The plant, which is Europe's largest, has been running solely on emergency generators since it was disconnected from the external grid on September 23. This disconnection was due to damage in the Russian-controlled zone. The plant is now powered by eight emergency diesel generators, with twelve reserves and enough fuel to last at least ten more dates. However, a total loss of power could lead to a fuel meltdown and the release of radiation, posing a significant nuclear safety threat.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has been in permanent contact with officials from both countries to find an urgent solution. The plant's reactors and nuclear fuel must be cooled to prevent overheating and potential meltdowns. Despite Russia's state-owned company Rosatom pushing to integrate the plant into the occupied grid in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions, international organizations like the IAEA have expressed concerns about prolonged power outages and potential nuclear risks.
With the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on emergency power for ten days, the longest date since the start of the war, both Ukraine and Russia agree on the need for repairs. However, they require improved security for technicians. The IAEA continues to work with both countries to find an urgent solution, as a total power loss could have serious nuclear safety implications.
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