‘On brink of blackout’ – Ukenergo comments on situation at Zaporizhia nuclear plant

Source: Energoatom

In a concerning update from Energoatom, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is once again teetering on the edge of a blackout.

Occupied by Russian troops in 2022, the plant saw its”Ferrosplavnaya’ PL-330kV  high-voltage line damaged in Russian shelling on August 22.  The line is crucial as it supplies the nuclear power plant with electricity from the Ukrainian power grid and is needed for its “operational needs”.

Currently, the site remains connected to the Ukrainian power grid through the one remaining transmission line – PL-750kV “Dniprovska.” The worst-case scenario can happen if it is damaged, which can leave the plant reactor cores and spent fuel pools withouth energy needed for their cooling.

Energoatom is gravely concerned over such scenario. “Under the control of Russian invaders, who occupy the plant, the degradation of the plant’s operations is deepening. Following a recent fire that destroyed one of the two cooling towers due to negligence or deliberate arson, the threat of losing external power now adds to the risks. The lack of competent, qualified, and licensed personnel, combined with the plant’s conversion into a military base, makes safe operation nearly impossible,” Energoatom said in a statement on Friday.

Energoatom demands that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant be returned under Ukrainian control, and Russian forces must withdraw from the facility along with their equipment.

The company warned, “Since the beginning of the Russian occupation, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  has already experienced eight complete blackouts and one partial blackout, which necessitated the use of emergency diesel generators and safety systems. Failure of these systems could trigger a catastrophic emergency.”