The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is on the brink of a blackout: what are the dangers?

On Saturday, November 30, due to shelling by Russian forces, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) found itself on the brink of a complete blackout. This marks the third such incident in November. As a result of the nighttime shelling, the ZNPP lost power from one of the two external power lines that connect the plant to the unified power system of Ukraine.

This information has been reported by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. They state that ensuring stable external power supply for the safe operation of the plant is once again under threat.

The plant is currently operating on only one line, and if it is disconnected, a total blackout may occur, posing a serious risk to radiation safety.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated that Ukrainian energy workers are ready to begin restoration work as soon as the security situation at the site allows. According to him, only the return of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP can guarantee the safety of its operation. The occupation of the plant by Russian forces brings it closer to catastrophic consequences every day.

ZNPP on the brink of disconnection

On November 16, one of the high-voltage lines supplying power to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was damaged due to shelling by Russian forces. As a result, the plant was forced to operate solely on a backup power line.

A similar situation occurred again on November 21, when shelling disrupted the stability of the ZNPP's power supply once more. Only on November 23 did energy workers manage to restore one of the lines providing electricity to the plant. On November 30, the ZNPP found itself on the brink of blackout for the third time.

At the beginning of the month, there was a leak of heavy water from the reactor at the ZNPP. The Guardian believes that Russian shelling threatens Ukrainian nuclear power plants, and the energy supply is on the verge of collapse.