Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Remains Without Power for the Fourth Day: Growing Risk of a Major Nuclear Accident
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been operating without external power supply for the fourth consecutive day, marking the longest blackout since the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine began.
This situation poses a significant threat not only to Ukrainian security but also to international safety, due to the potential risk of uncontrolled reactor overheating, which could lead to a catastrophic nuclear accident similar to the Fukushima disaster in 2011.According to IAEA experts, the emergency generators currently supporting safety and cooling systems are only seven out of ten in operation.
If these generators fail, there is a real danger of uncontrolled heating of nuclear fuel in six reactors, which could result in core meltdown and radiation leaks.Amidst the incident, international specialists warn that Russia is not only neglecting efforts to restore the plant’s power supply but is also actively spreading disinformation, claiming that ‘Energoatom’ is not making efforts to ensure safety.
Unlike the Fukushima incident, where reactors shut down due to an earthquake and emergency systems failed within minutes, the current situation at ZNPP could be even more dangerous with no external power for over 72 hours, exceeding the European stress-test maximum.Ukrainian officials report that Russian military and occupation authorities are investing significant resources into building new power lines and water reservoirs, potentially enabling partial restart of some reactors to maintain control and prevent a nuclear catastrophe.
However, Kyiv states that Russia’s actions blatantly ignore nuclear safety standards, creating unprecedented risks for the entire global community.Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasizes that deliberate drone strikes near South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant, attacks on the Chernobyl containment, and other reckless acts significantly increase the risks of a nuclear disaster.
‘If Russia attempts to restore operation of ZNPP, it could lead to the most dangerous scenario, with an uncontrollable release of radiation,’ he warns.Note that on September 23, ZNPP experienced its tenth power outage since occupation began.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy emphasizes that the station has repeatedly lost power due to shelling and infrastructure damage, heightening the danger to regional and global safety.