Should the global community permit Russia to retain control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, it might erode confidence in nuclear energy and potentially lead to another catastrophe comparable to Chernobyl. Both the U.S. and Ukraine stand ready to address this danger, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko affirmed during an Atlantic Council panel discussion, reports Ukrinform.
In a conversation, the minister was questioned about U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal concerning the potential shared control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Halushchenko pointed out that both Ukraine and the U.S. have a mutual interest in bringing the facility back under Ukrainian oversight and restarting its operations.
He said, “ZNPP has the potential to create fresh chances for collaboration between our countries, particularly regarding the export of electricity. Additionally, any initiatives undertaken in Ukraine with support from the U.S. would require increased power supply. More electricity will be essential for extensive rebuilding efforts, which is crucial.”
Unacceptable catastrophic condition
Halushchenko also emphasized the unacceptable condition of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been seized by Russian forces.
He referred to it as a disastrous precedent should the global community permit Russia to keep control of the facility, despite its incomplete functionality. He further stated, “This could undermine all the advancements made by the civilized world regarding the peaceful application of nuclear power.”
Concerning nuclear security, Halushchenko pointed out the risks associated with Russian attacks on energy facilities. He emphasized the ongoing danger not just to the idle Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant but also to the three remaining operational nuclear power plants in Ukraine.
He further reminded that since August last year, over 150 incidents were recorded in which Russian rockets or drones flew over or near these stations. He also recalled the Russian drone attack on the Shelter facility at the Chernobyl NPP.
Nuclear accident threat
Halushchenko highlighted Ukraine’s continuous pleas to the IAEA about the perilous, intentional assaults carried out by Russia on substations serving nuclear plants. He cautioned that these attacks might lead to critical power failures at functioning reactors, potentially resulting in an incident akin to what happened in Fukushima.
“The message we continually emphasize in our draft resolutions at the IAEA is this: We request that their specialists inspect these substations. In case of an urgent shut down for an operational reactor, there’s merely one step away from experiencing an event akin to what happened in Fukushima, which could lead to a significant nuclear incident. These measures go against all established nuclear safety protocols,” stated Halushchenko.
Zaporizhzhia NPP situation
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant comprises six VVER-1000 V-320 reactors along with a facility for storing used nuclear fuel. On March 4, 2022, Russian troops took control of the site after seizing the town of Enerhodar. They then placed explosives in secondary areas and positioned military gear at the location.
Following this, all reactor units were transitioned to a “cold shutdown” mode. During the three-year conflict, the facility frequently lost power for its operational requirements because of damages to electrical lines caused by Russian bombardment.
Energoatom reported that the current technical condition of the Zaporizhzhia NPP prevents its reactivation.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump, in discussions with President Zelenskyy, showed interest in the Zaporizhzhia NPP and the potential involvement in its restoration and modernization. The US could also assist in managing Ukrainian nuclear power plants after the war ends.
