- Ukraine says restart without equipment risks accident
- Six reactors remain shut since war began
- Control systems based on Ukrainian design
- Water shortage raises reactor cooling concerns
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant restart risk: Ukraine has said that Russia is not in a position to safely restart Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia. The head of Ukrainian nuclear energy company Energoatom said that starting the plant without necessary equipment and spare parts can cause a serious accident.
This nuclear plant went under control of the Russian army at the beginning of the war. Since then, all its six reactors are shut down. Russia had indicated last year that it wants to restart at least one reactor. Officials linked to the plant’s Russian administration have also said that electricity production can begin by 2027.
However, Ukraine says that the plant’s original technology, control system and safety structure are based on Ukrainian design. Energoatom head Pavlo Kovtonyuk claimed that the main equipment, monitoring and safety systems are connected to Ukraine and the required components for them are also made in Ukrainian industries. According to him, without these resources, operation of the plant is not possible.
An Important Issue in Peace Talks
Capable of meeting nearly one-third of Ukraine’s electricity needs, this plant remains an important issue in the ongoing peace talks. During the US-mediated discussions, different proposals have come forward regarding management of the plant and distribution of electricity. Washington has suggested participation of all three sides, while Moscow says that the region where the plant is located is now part of Russia and its operation is under the authority of Russian nuclear agency Rosatom.
The Ukrainian side also says that the plant uses American fuel, which will need to be replaced and the control system will need to be modified. They claim that without making changes in the existing structure, restarting the reactor can be technically complex and dangerous.
Water Shortage Also a Cause of Concern
Ukraine has also warned that after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in 2023, the water level in the reservoir has fallen significantly. In such a situation, sufficient water is not available to keep the reactors cool. Experts believe that continuous cooling arrangement is extremely necessary for the safety of a nuclear plant.
Referring to the historic accident of Chernobyl, Ukraine said that consequences of compromising with technical and safety standards can be serious. There has been no official response from Russia so far on these allegations.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
