The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been without external backup power for three months. As a result, the nuclear power plant is in an “extremely vulnerable” state. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warns against this.
The plant relies on one remaining, operational power line of 750 kilovolts (kV) for external electricity. This is necessary for cooling the reaction and other important safety functions, according to the IAEA. Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the central had four such external streamlines.
“The general situation at the site remains very precarious and potentially dangerous,” said Grossi. “The fragile electricity situation on the site remains a source of great concern.”
Five principles
The IAEA established five principles. For example, Zaporizhia should no longer be used as a military base or storage facility for weapons such as tanks and artillery. External power supply should be guaranteed and there should also be protection against tampering.
The IAEA states that if the 750 kV line fails, as happened on May 22, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant will have to rely on emergency generators that run on diesel.
Two landmine explosions
A team of IAEA experts on site reported that two landmine explosions were heard near the plant. “They emphasize the tense situation. There is currently a lot of speculation about imminent military action in the region,” the agency said.
Russian troops have occupied the six-reactor plant since March 2022. Grossi expects to visit the power station soon, which would be the third time during the war.
Read also: Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant Workers Warn of “Nuclear Disaster Bigger Than Chernobyl”: How Big Is the Risk Really? “We literally monitor this day and night” (+)
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