According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a power outage in the southern Ukrainian city of Enerhodar threatens the safe operation of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The widespread power outage in Enerhodar caused by the shelling “endangers the safe operation of the nearby Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in Vienna on Friday.
Grossi spoke of a “dramatic development” and a “completely unacceptable” situation. The shelling of the “whole area” must stop immediately. The power supply of the city of Enerhodar was paralyzed by the shelling of a thermal power plant. As the shelling continues, it is likely not possible for the time being to “restore a reliable external power supply to the power plant”.
Operator Considering Shutdown
That is why the Ukrainian state-owned company Energoatom is now considering shutting down the only reactor still in operation, which currently produces the electricity for the cooling and other safety systems of the nuclear power plant. Without external electricity, the plant is completely dependent on its diesel generators. In a report Monday, Grossi said that although fuel was available for ten days, supplies were difficult due to the fighting.
Nuclear power plant occupied by Russian troops
The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine has been occupied by Russian troops since March. The power plant site has been shelled repeatedly in recent weeks, with Ukraine and Russia blaming each other for these attacks. Last week, a team of experts from the IAEA, led by Grossi, traveled to the nuclear power plant to investigate. Two IAEA experts will remain permanently on the site of the power plant.
Grossi explained that on Friday he learned from IAEA officials on the ground about the shelling that led to the “serious situation” at the nuclear power plant overnight.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
