In a recent address to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, Director General Rafael Grossi expressed grave concerns over the persistent nuclear safety risks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The plant, which is critical for reactor cooling and other key nuclear safety functions, has twice lost connection to its only remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) power line in the past few days.
The first disconnection occurred last Saturday morning due to unspecified damage approximately 17 kilometers from the ZNPP. This disruption lasted just over 30 hours before repairs were completed around Sunday noon. However, the plant faced a similar setback when it again lost connection to the 750 kV line on Thursday morning.
“Nuclear safety remains in jeopardy at the Zaporizhzhia plant,” Grossi warned. He highlighted that during these disconnections, the ZNPP had to rely solely on its 330 kV backup power line to sustain essential operations. “The plant had to depend on its sole 330 kV backup power line for the electricity it needs for reactor cooling and other key nuclear safety functions,” he stated.
Before the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ZNPP was equipped with four 750 kV and six 330 kV power lines, ensuring multiple redundancies for power supply. The recent incidents underscore the escalating vulnerabilities the plant faces amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Grossi’s remarks shed light on the critical importance of maintaining uninterrupted power supply to nuclear facilities. Any prolonged loss of power can compromise safety systems, potentially leading to severe consequences not only for the immediate region but also with broader international implications.
Reference(s):
Nuclear safety still 'in jeopardy' at Zaporizhzhia power plant: IAEA
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