Russian occupiers at the temporarily captured Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant damaged a diesel fuel tank, which may indicate preparations to connect the plant to the Russian power grid, writes IZ. According to Olga Kosharna, an expert on nuclear energy and nuclear safety, the tanks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant provide power for diesel generators, which allows the plant to function even if external power lines are damaged.
Olga Kosharna noted that the ZNPP currently receives energy through a 750 kV line from the unified power system of Ukraine. However, given the damage to the networks, there is a possibility that Russia may interrupt this supply and connect the plant to its own power system. Such plans have been in the works since the summer of 2022, but were blocked by Ukrainian forces.
In addition, according to the expert, Russia plans to commission one of the power units of the Zaporizhzhia NPP to provide electricity to the temporarily occupied territories. However, due to the loss of the Kakhovka reservoir for cooling the power units, the water at the station is extremely limited. Therefore, according to her, the occupiers initially plan to use only one unit, waiting to receive a license for its operation under Russian law.
We remind you that we previously wrote that radio stations and mobile communications will be turned off in occupied Melitopol.