Ukraine: Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in danger after Russian strike

Occupied by the Russian army for more than a year, the situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is becoming increasingly critical. After a new wave of Russian strikes, the last line of communication between the plant and the Ukrainian power grid was cut and the plant went into "black out" mode.

Partagez:

The situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is becoming increasingly worrying. Indeed, the Ukrainian nuclear operator, Energatom, announced that the plant was cut off from the Ukrainian power grid after a Russian strike, warning of a risk of nuclear accident.

A sixth time in “black out

The last communication line between the occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the Ukrainian power grid was cut off due to Russian rocket attacks, Energatom said in a statement. The plant went into “black out” mode for the sixth time since the occupation, the reactors of units 5 and 6 were shut down cold. The operator said that 18 emergency diesel generators have been switched on to provide minimum power to the plant. However, if the external power supply of the plant cannot be renewed, a nuclear accident with radioactive consequences for the whole world could take place.

A risk of nuclear incident

Since the occupation of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant by the Russian army in March 2022, the operator Energatom had already warned that the shutdown of the plant would lead to “gradual degradation of all its systems and equipment.” In addition, Energatom had also expressed concern about a “risk of nuclear incident” in case of a break in the last power line connecting the plant to the Ukrainian energy system.

A worsening situation

The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is one of the largest nuclear power plants in Europe, previously producing 20% of Ukraine’s electricity. Since the occupation, none of the six reactors has generated power, but the facility remains connected to the Ukrainian energy system and consumes electricity produced by it for its own needs. The situation is all the more worrying because the Zaporijjia plant has been the target of several Russian strikes in recent months, including in September 2022, when one of the buildings was hit, causing a fire.

In conclusion, the situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is extremely worrying, with an increased risk of nuclear accident following the latest Russian strikes. The Ukrainian and international authorities must take urgent measures to ensure the safety of the population and prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

  • Populaires ​
France: Générale du Solaire inaugurates 20 MWc floating solar plant in Alsace
Global small-scale LNG market to reach $31.78bn by 2030
Chevron and Energy Transfer Expand Their LNG Agreement at Lake Charles
BrightNight launches 300 MW solar plant in Arizona with Cordelio Power
France: EDF and Marcegaglia conclude a ten-year electricity agreement in Fos-sur-Mer
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS