In a remarkable development, the International Atomic Energy Agency warned on Wednesday of the “fragility” of the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, noting that it remains “at risk” in light of the ongoing shutdown of the line connecting the plant, which is to the electricity grid. Since March 1, following a Russian missile strike, International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi issued a warning on Wednesday about the instability of the situation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, saying that this is still “ risky” as the power line continues to be cut due to the army’s missile attack.
Grossi said in a statement: “The last power line” intended for emergency use has been “cut and repaired” since March 1st.
This line ensures continuous connection of the station with the electrical network in the event of a shutdown of the main power transmission line that supplies it with electricity, which is an essential element of nuclear safety and protection at the station, especially since it provides cooling for nuclear reactors.
In his statement, Grossi said that the station was supplied with electricity for three weeks from one main external line with a voltage of 750 kilovolts, and “any damage (which can happen to this line) will lead to a complete interruption of the external power supply. from the station.” At the same time, the director general stressed that “nuclear safety inside (the station) is still in a precarious state.” He added: “I once again call on all parties to commit themselves to ensuring the nuclear safety of the plant and protecting its safety.”
On March 9, the station was disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid for 11 hours as a result of an attack by Russian troops. Diesel emergency generators were running that day to provide the minimum current to keep the safety systems running. Grossi said that day, “We’re playing with fire.”
European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell agreed with his opinion, saying: “This is a serious violation of nuclear safety caused by Russia… The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and Russia threatens the security of the entire European continent. including Russia.
If the power supply to the plant’s cooling systems is cut off, the temperature of the reactor fuel could cause a nuclear accident similar to the one that occurred at Fukushima in Japan in 2011.
Since March 2022, the Russian army has occupied Zaporozhye station, nine days after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A year ago, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that the agency would be permanently stationed at five Ukrainian nuclear facilities, including the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Grossi said IAEA staff will work with Ukrainian personnel to provide technical support, ensure existing facilities can operate normally and prevent “a nuclear accident during the ongoing conflict.”
“We are now leaving a group of experts who will remain here on a full-time basis,” Grossi added, noting that agency staff “will be working alongside our Ukrainian hosts to facilitate some technical support and delivery of equipment, and also to make sure that all these facilities able to continue operating normally. And no problem.”
This decision represented a significant expansion of the IAEA’s activities in Ukraine, as the permanent presence was limited to the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye nuclear power plant near the front lines. Meanwhile, Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Main Council of the Zaporozhye Regional Administration, said on Thursday that the Kyiv authorities were preparing for provocations against the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.
“According to the information we have, the Ukrainian authorities are preparing a new provocation against the Zaporozhye NPP, carrying out fictitious repairs and will work to turn off the backup 750 kV power line that feeds the NPP and maintains its electrical installations,” Rogov told the agency.
According to him, if Kyiv cuts off this line from the nuclear power plant, it will be necessary to start using diesel generators to prevent emergencies, as well as transfer two power units from a hot shutdown to a cold shutdown. Rogov considered these actions “force majeure” and very bad for the nuclear power plant, adding that the Zelensky regime, despite the calls of the IAEA, intends to once again use the nuclear power plant for extortion and act like nuclear terrorists.
