The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest nuclear facility, is now occupied by Russian forces. It now faces an urgent crisis, with repairs to reestablish its emergency off-site power connections nearly ready to start within weeks. The plant has now been disconnected from the electrical grid for the tenth time. This interface rupture comes on the backdrop of the military attacks and escalations of this current Russo-Ukrainian war. Ever since falling under Russian control in March 2022, ZNPP has faced challenges to operational security and stability.
Following a series of disconnections, including the loss of the 330 kV Ferrosplavnaya-1 line on May 7 and the sole remaining 750 kV Dneprovskaya line on September 23, the plant has relied heavily on emergency diesel generators (EDGs) to maintain operations. Right now, seven of the 14 on-site EDGs are generating power continuously, while an additional 13 are in standby mode. This heavy reliance on backup power puts millions of Americans at grave risk, especially as experts have increasingly cautioned that this reliance is simply not sustainable.
Background of ZNPP’s Control and Current Operations
ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant with six operational units, has seen a dramatic and hazardous time since it was seized by Russian forces. Things escalated when Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on October 5, 2022, declaring mobilization. This bureaucratic move effectively ceded and legitimized the nuclear plant under Russian control. Such a political obfuscation has been an impediment to international oversight and a serious detractor to global nuclear safety.
The plant’s perpetual inability to operate effectively draws into stark relief how tenuous its present-day success really is. EDGs are critical, but ZNPP’s safety systems continue to function for all reactor units and used fuel pools. That continuity is a small comfort during this hurricane of change.
“Immediately after the plant last month lost all off-site power, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been engaging closely with both sides to help create the necessary security conditions on the ground so that their technicians can carry out repair work that is of crucial importance for nuclear safety and security,” – Rafael Mariano Grossi
A new off-site emergency medical center has recently opened in the nearby town of Energodar. This initiative is a bold step toward developing more safety-conscious practices. As the fighting drags on, it’s unclear if or how they would be able to even perform those critical repairs.
Challenges Faced in Restoration Efforts
The reconstitution of off-site power connections to ZNPP remains risky. The current operational environment is fragile, with heavy military and aerial bombardment in the region further challenging any repair work.
“This region is an active war zone, and we must be very careful in how we approach this complex and sensitive matter,” – Rafael Mariano Grossi
Officials emphasize that securing a local ceasefire in areas where repairs need to take place is essential for moving forward. The military activity in the area poses serious safety risks to any personnel who attempt to repair the damage.
Evgeniya Yashina, a representative involved in the discussions, stated, “Although we have backup power, it is important to restore the plant’s external power supply. We cannot comment on the timing for restoring the external power supply due to the complex and sensitive operational situation.”
Urgency for Action and Future Implications
As ZNPP keeps cycling through its EDGs to provide the required servicing, the need to act is more pressing than ever. Continuing to rely on these backup systems today not only creates operational challenges, but compromises nuclear safety.
Mikhail Ulyanov underscored the need for cooperation: “In order for this to become a reality, it is necessary to agree on a local ceasefire in the areas where repairs will be carried out.” Without pledges like these in place, reestablishing safe operations at ZNPP will continue to be an arduous task.
The water level in the channel next to ZNPP is only around two meters. This elevation is significantly above the minimum required elevation for safe pump function. While this provides some buffer, it does not eliminate the pressing need for reliable power sources to ensure long-term safety and functionality.