Complete blackout occurred at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, threatening nuclear safety

On the night of December 2, a complete blackout occurred at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP, which may threaten nuclear and radiation safety at the plant.

Rubryka writes about this, referring to Energoatom.

As noted by nuclear scientists, on the evening of December 1, the Zaporizhzhia thermal power plant — Ferosplavna power transmission line with a voltage of 330 kW was cut. Through it, the ZNPP received power from the Ukrainian power system. At 02:31, during the air alarm, the last line, Zaporizka NPP — Dniprovska, with a voltage of 750 kW, was de-energized.
Due to the blackout, the Zaporizhzhia NPP switched to powering its own needs from diesel generators. All 20 generators turned on, then eight were left in operation.

Energoatom emphasizes that the biggest security threat in this state exists at power unit four. It is caused by the fact that the enemy misused it. The block needs an urgent transfer to a cold state.

"De-energizing the main circulation pumps that cool the active zone leads to the transition of the reactor plant to the natural circulation mode.

Such a regime is difficult for the reactor plant, the project limits its duration, and it can lead to the failure of the main equipment of the power unit," the message emphasized.

At 7:00 a.m., Ukrainian specialists were able to restore communication with the Ukrainian power system. Namely, they resumed the operation of the 750 kW power transmission line.

Energoatom emphasizes that another blackout poses a threat to nuclear and radiation safety.

Earlier, it was also reported that IAEA experts recorded rocket launches, most likely from a rocket salvo system from close range from the Zaporizhzhia NPP temporarily captured by the Russians.

In addition, IAEA experts monitoring the security situation at nuclear power plants in Ukraine report that on the night of November 30, several explosions were heard near the Khmelnytskyi NPP.

What is known about the situation at the ZNPP

It will be recalled that the Russians seized the Zaporizhzhia NPP at the beginning of a full-scale invasion on March 4, 2022. The aggressors not only violate the station's mode of operation but also use warehouses for storing equipment and the location of manpower.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly reported on the risks of a terrorist attack at the station. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that the Russian Federation could create conditions that would cause a nuclear incident after the liberation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP by the Ukrainian army.

In addition, the IAEA confirmed the presence of mines at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which were installed by the enemy earlier.

Also, the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a resolution regarding the immediate return of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine's full control.

Since the capture by the Russians, the ZNPP has repeatedly lost its external power source. The station has already experienced seven complete blackouts and one partial blackout.