The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest and currently occupied by Russian forces, has been in a blackout for six days, cut off from Ukraine’s power grid and relying solely on diesel generators for critical operations.

This situation severely threatens nuclear and radiation safety, as the generators’ fuel supply is limited and could fail at any moment. Oleh Korikov, Head of Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, warned that ongoing Russian shelling, damaged power lines, and barriers to Ukrainian specialists heighten the risk of a catastrophic meltdown.

Without stable power, cooling systems for spent nuclear fuel in all six reactors and storage pools could fail, potentially releasing radiation across Ukraine and into Europe. Energoatom, Ukraine’s nuclear operator, confirmed that a functional external power line on Ukrainian-controlled territory exists, but Russian forces are deliberately blocking reconnection efforts. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russia has constructed 200 kilometers of power lines to link the ZNPP to its own grid, possibly aiming to restart operations under Moscow’s control. Greenpeace has suggested this blackout may be a calculated move to facilitate such a takeover, exacerbating global safety concerns.

Source: https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4041827-zaporizhzhia-npp-in-blackout-for-6-days-ukraine-warns-of-possible-radiation-consequences-for-europe.html

ukrinform.net

Zaporizhzhia NPP in blackout for 6 days: Ukraine warns of possible “radiation consequences” for Europe

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, occupied by Russian forces, has been disconnected from Ukraine’s power grid for six days, posing risks to nuclear and radiation safety. — Ukrinform.