"Release of Radioactive Materials into Environment": Experts Warned about the Risks Associated with Shutdown of all ZNPP Units
The shutdown of power units and the loss of all sources of electrical power can lead to the failure of cooling systems and damage to the active zone of the reactor installation, which will lead to the release of radioactive substances into the environment.
According to the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, the potential disaster may be similar to what happened on Japanese nuclear power plant "Fukushima-1" in 2011.
"However, if the disaster in Japan occurred due to natural disasters, then at the ZNPP, it may occur due to the actions of Russian troops", the regulatory agency stressed.
According to the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate’s statement, a nuclear power plant must have constant power for uninterrupted cooling of nuclear fuel in active zones of reactor installations and cooling of spent fuel in holding pools, as well as for maintaining control and management systems. These needs are met either by operating power units or by the external power supply.
However, due to Russian shelling, three of the four lines that connect the NPP to the energy system of Ukraine have been damaged. In case of damage to the fourth line, the station will lose the ability to receive electricity for its own needs
In case of such an emergency, the NPP has diesel generators, but they require a significant amount of fuel for long-term operation.
"After the loss of all power sources, the melting of nuclear fuel will begin. Next is the emission of radioactive substances", the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine warned.
According to the regulator, the development of emergency events at the ZNPP will not be limited to regional problems of Ukraine but may have cross-border consequences. Depending on the weather conditions, the radioactive cloud can be carried to the territory of Europe, or Russia and Belarus, which will lead to radioactive contamination of large areas.
"It is also essential to remember that ZNPP is located on the bank of Kakhovka reservoir, which as a part of Dnipro reservoir cascade. Any nuclear incident at ZNPP may result in nuclear contamination of Dnipro and the Black Sea”, the statement reads.
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