The explosion at the Kakhovka Dam will not have any catastrophic consequences for the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, at least in the short term, Victoria Voytsitska, former Secretary of the Committee on Fuel-Energy, Nuclear Policies and Security in Ukrainian Parliament has told Kyiv Post.
“In order for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [ZNPP] to operate safely, it requires a certain volume of water to carry out essential cooling processes for its units. Water from the Dnipro River is indeed used for this purpose, which is stored in water pools located near the station itself,” Voytsitska explained.
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The former secretary emphasized that the ZNPP’s current water pools are filled to capacity, ensuring a sufficient water supply to the station for an extended period.
“There is ample water there for a long time to provide the station with water,” she reassured.
Furthermore, Voytsitska highlighted alternative options available to maintain the plant’s operation and safety in terms of water supply. One such option involves deploying mobile pumping stations outside the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. By utilizing pump installations that would be brought to the Dnipro River, water can be sourced and supplied to the plant.
“However, there is a complication in this matter. The bank of the Dnipro River, which lies on the side of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, is currently mined,” Viktoria said.
British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 23 December 2024
“It will be a question for the occupying forces whether they are willing to clear the mines and allow access for specialists from the Zaporizhzhia power plant, its employees, and Ukrainians to ensure the operation of these pumping stations,” she added.
Considering long-term perspectives, Voytsitska raised concerns about the upcoming summer weather in Ukraine.
“Will it be characterized by high temperatures and drought? In such a case, the water reserves in the required pools and reservoirs could evaporate,” she said.
The former official questioned the involvement of international partners and their preparedness to respond effectively and exert pressure on Russia if the situation demands it.
“This raises the question of whether we have engaged our international partners and whether they are prepared to respond adequately and exert pressure on Russia forces if needed,” Voytsitska concluded.
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