Chornobyl nuclear power plant without electricity: what is the danger

On March 9, Ukrenergo announced the disconnection of the high-voltage power line due to damage by the occupiers. As a result, the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and all nuclear facilities in the Exclusion Zone, the Spent Fuel Storage Facility (SFSF-1), the SFSF-2, and the New Safe Confinement, were completely blacked out. In addition, the city of Slavutych was left without electricity.

The Ekodia public organization told what the danger is.

Why is it important?

The lack of light and electricity will affect not only local residents but also nuclear workers. About 20,000 spent fuel assemblies are stored at SFSF-1. They need constant cooling, which is possible only in the presence of electricity.
According to Ukrenergo, emergency diesel generators have been turned on at the site to provide power to safety-critical systems. In case of trouble-free operation, the stock of diesel fuel on diesel generators will be enough only for 48 hours.

What will happen after 48 hours?

In the absence of electricity, cooling will stop. As a result, the temperature in the holding pools will increase, soaring will happen, radioactive substances will be released into the environment. The radioactive cloud can be transferred by the wind to other regions of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Europe. Ventilation will also not work at the facility. That is, all personnel, not to mention the Russian aggressors who are there, will receive a dangerous dose of radiation.

The fire extinguishing system also doesn't work, and this is a huge risk in the event of a fire that could occur due to a missile.

How can a catastrophe be prevented?

The only solution is to restore the energy supply. And this requires the cessation of hostilities and admission to the scene of the relevant services for repair work.

"This situation shows that Russia is not stopping. Risks for Ukraine and Europe are growing. This is, in essence, nuclear terrorism. Therefore, our partners must further increase the pressure on the country, which does not neglect to pose a danger to the whole continent," said Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department of the NGO Ekodia.

The situation was also commented on by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, calling on the "international community to immediately demand that Russia cease fire and allow repair crews to restore electricity supply as soon as possible."