Zaporizhzhia NPP Faces the Threat of a Prolonged Blackout Due to Russia's Actions — Main Intelligence Directorate
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains in a precarious safety situation. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the plant is not generating electricity, is experiencing problems with its external power supply, and the water level in the cooling pond continues to drop.
All six power units at the Zaporizhzhia NPP are in a “cold shutdown” state. Safety at the facility is ensured by approximately 1,150 employees on duty.
The condition of the cooling pond poses a particular threat. In July, the water level was 12.86 meters; in early August, it was 12.63 meters; and by the end of the month, it had dropped to 12.55 meters. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), a level of at least 15 meters is required for the plant to operate normally.
In August, the plant lost its external power supply three times—on the 1st, 4th, and 8th. After each power outage, backup diesel generators had to be started. In the event of a prolonged total blackout, intelligence estimates indicate that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would require approximately 150 metric tons of diesel fuel per day.
Additional problems arose with communications. On August 13–14, the occupying forces cut off the internet at the plant, complicating communication, performance monitoring, and international oversight.
The Main Intelligence Directorate also reports a dire humanitarian situation in Energodar, where there are reported disruptions to electricity, water, and communications, as well as shortages of food and fuel. At the same time, Russia is attempting to integrate the occupied plant into its own legal framework and, according to intelligence reports, is using the presence of its representatives at the IAEA to promote its own approaches.
Source: Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
A local ceasefire has gone into effect at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine to allow for repairs to restore the external power supply. The agreements, brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), took effect on September 5.
Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian state corporation Rosatom, and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, discussed the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Vienna, Austria.
