Shutdown of all units of Zaporizhia NPP threatens situation according to Fukushima scenario – regulator

KYIV. Aug 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The shutdown of all power units of Zaporizhia NPP and the loss of all power sources may lead to failure of cooling systems, damage to the reactor core and release of radioactive substances, warns the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine.

"It was exactly according to this scenario that the accident occurred at the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima-1 in 2011. However, if the disaster in Japan occurred due to natural disasters, then at Zaporizhia NPP it could happen due to the criminal actions and intentions of the Russian occupation forces," the regulator said.

The regulator recalled that the nuclear power plant must have a constant power supply to ensure uninterrupted maintenance of own needs – cooling of nuclear fuel in the active zones of reactor plants, spent fuel in spent fuel pools, as well as supporting monitoring and control systems. These needs are met either by operating units or by external power supply.

At the same time, as a result of shelling by Russian troops, three of the four lines connecting the nuclear power plant with the Ukrainian energy system were damaged. In case of damage to the fourth transmission line, the station will lose the opportunity to receive electricity for its own needs.

In the event of such an emergency, Zaporizhia NPP has diesel generators, but for the long-term supply of the plant’s own needs and for cooling nuclear fuel, they will need a significant amount of diesel fuel.

"After the loss of all sources of electricity supply, the process of melting nuclear fuel will begin, as a result of which radioactive substances may be released into the environment," the watchdog explained.

At the same time, the development of emergency events at ZNPP will not be limited to regional problems of Ukraine, but may have transboundary consequences.