After the Ukrainian nuclear energy company “Energo-atom” announced that a fire broke out at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, eyes were once again turned to the region.
In the statement, it was reported that the power plant was disconnected from the electricity grid for the first time in history. Shortly after the blackout, news came that the business had returned to normal in Zaporozhye. However, this news was enough to raise concerns.
Ukraine’s leader Volodomir Zelenski once again called on the international community and warned that “Disaster is imminent”.
“There is a need for international pressure to force the occupiers to immediately withdraw from the territory of the Zaporozhye NPP. The International Atomic Energy Agency must act much faster than now, because every minute the Russian military stays at the nuclear power plant risks a global radiation catastrophe,” Zelenski said.
Contradictory STATEMENTS FROM RUSSIA
Conflicting statements came from Russia. Some resources; While he stated that electricity was supplied to Ukraine normally from the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine was blamed in the news that Tass News Agency based on a local official.
The report stated that the Ukrainian forces damaged the final power line, so it was impossible to supply electricity from the plant.
EU: THE SITUATION IS AMAZING
A statement regarding the situation at the power plant came from the European Union.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell described the situation as “extremely worrying” in a statement on social media. Borrell stressed that Russia should ensure that the damaged power lines are repaired and that the power plant is fully connected to the Ukrainian power system.
Borrell also stated that experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency should be allowed to go to the facility.
ENERGY CRISIS IN EUROPE
Another concern in Europe is about a possible energy crisis.
The Russian energy company Gazprom’s announcement on August 31 that it will stop gas flow to Europe for 3 days due to maintenance increased the concerns in this direction.
On the other hand, St. It was alleged that the gas plant in Portovaya, northwest of St. Petersburg, burned $10 million worth of gas every day.
Gas burning in processing plants is common for technical or safety reasons.
However, the researchers noted a significant increase in heat emitted from the facility since June.
While the scale of this process raises questions, scientists say it could accelerate the melting of glaciers.
EUROPE’S LARGEST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in the southeast of Ukraine is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
The power plant, which has six nuclear reactors and has an electricity generation capacity of 5,700 megawatt-hours, provides 20 percent of the total electricity in Ukraine.
The power plant was captured by the Russians on March 4. Artillery attacks are taking place around the power plant, which is currently under the control of the Russian army. Ukraine and Russia blame each other for these attacks.