The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZANEP) worsened again. On the night of November 30, due to enemy shelling, the station lost one of the two external power transmission lines that connect it to the unified energy system of Ukraine. Currently, the ZNPP is powered by only one line, which significantly increases the risk of a radiation disaster in the event of a complete blackout, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine reports.
Loss of power threatens the safe operation of the station. In the event of a complete disconnection from the external power system, the ZANP will be forced to rely on backup diesel generators, the resource of which is limited. Such disruptions pose a threat to radiation safety in Ukraine and Europe.
Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko noted:
"Each day of occupation of the station brings ZNPP closer to disaster. Only the return of control over the station to Ukraine can guarantee its safe operation."
He also emphasized that Ukrainian energy workers are ready to restore the operation of the damaged line immediately after the stabilization of the security situation.
Context
- This is the third incident of loss of one of the power lines since November.
- Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.
Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to the international community to ensure the de-occupation of the ZNPP and to strengthen control over its operation in order to avoid a nuclear disaster.
