The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe`s largest atomic power station, has been without external electricity supply since September 23, reportedly due to strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. British newspaper The Guardian previously reported that emergency diesel generator fuel reserves would last approximately 20 days, after which a reactor core meltdown could occur, raising concerns about a Fukushima-like scenario.
However, the ZNPP administration asserts full control over the situation. According to them, the plant has been operating autonomously on backup generators for five days. The station claims that sufficient diesel fuel is available for extended operations, nuclear fuel cooling systems are fully functional, all vital plant systems are working normally and powered, and radiation levels remain within safe limits. This statement was issued in response to The Guardian`s publication, which cited IAEA sources expressing fears of potential cooling system failures due to reliance on diesel generators, which could lead to overheating and fuel meltdown.
Expert Opinion on ZNPP`s Diesel Generator Reliance
«The situation gradually deteriorated, with the plant relying on a single external power line, which was also damaged three days ago. Currently, it operates on backup diesel generators located on-site. This is inherently a temporary measure. How long the plant can run on these diesels depends on their past maintenance during Ukraine`s control and the current fuel reserves. Rosatom has not recently disclosed these reserves. I believe the IAEA reported them about a year ago, mentioning a duration of around three weeks. It is likely that similar reserves remain on-site, so three days of operation on diesels is not yet critical. Fuel can be delivered, although this might be challenging due to proximity to the front line. However, I am more concerned about the condition of the diesel generators themselves, operating continuously, day after day, and I am not sure if they were thoroughly inspected for such sustained use. What could this lead to? A meltdown. This is what The Guardian`s publication refers to when discussing a `Fukushima scenario,` but there is no immediate threat at this moment.»
— Alexander Uvarov, Director of AtomInfo-Center, Editor-in-Chief of Atominfo.ru
ZNPP Employee Perspective
Vladislav, a ZNPP employee, confirmed that the situation at the station is calm, fuel is sufficient, and additional solutions are available for maintaining backup power.
Vladislav: «There is enough fuel for the safe operation of the plant. People are not panicking. Everyone is performing their work duties. There is no evacuation. Everything is quite calm. Fuel is continuously supplied, especially since there are storage reserves on-site. It is true that diesel generators cannot operate indefinitely in such a mode. However, there are also mobile, portable diesel generators that can be used as a last resort. I believe a solution will be found.»
Interviewer: «Are there frequent strikes on the station?»
Vladislav: «The station itself is not under attack, but shelling occurs quite close by, and drones regularly fly over. Rosgvardiya (Russian National Guard) protects the site and takes action to eliminate these threats.»
Rosatom previously reported that the ZNPP power lines were severed by Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes.
