Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Faces Record Blackout: No Electricity for Three Days

Kokcha News Agency: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been without external power for more than three days, marking a critical safety concern. The last external power line on the Russian-controlled side was cut on September 24, and despite emergency generators being operational, there is no sign of reconnection.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has described the situation as “deeply concerning.” Experts warn that prolonged power outages could compromise reactor safety, with the 72-hour critical threshold for nuclear facilities without external power already surpassed.

Russia’s Intentions:
Since Russia seized the plant in 2022, the reactors have been in “cold shutdown” mode for safety reasons. However, there are indications that Russia may be planning to restart at least one reactor to connect it to the Russian power grid. Ukrainian officials and Greenpeace experts accuse Moscow of using the plant as a political “hostage.”

Fuel and Water Supplies:
According to the IAEA, there is enough diesel fuel to power the generators for 20 days. Currently, seven out of 18 generators are operating the cooling systems. However, if the generators fail, there is a risk of reactor fuel melting within weeks.

Fukushima Reminder:
The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, where a tsunami caused a meltdown in three reactors. While the Zaporizhzhia reactors are in a cold state, the prolonged power outage poses significant risks.