Oleh Korikov explains how long water reserves will last to ensure safe operation of Zaporizhia NPP

Immediately after information about the mining of the Kakhovka HPP dam came to light, the operating organization analyzed the impact on safety performance and status and developed measures that would ensure the safety of the Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) in the absence of the Kakhovka reservoir.

These measures include, on the one hand, stockpiling maximum water resources in reserves within the industrial area of the ZNPP. On the other hand, they include a track aimed at reducing the consumption of water resources by the ZNPP equipment and systems

Oleh Korikov, Acting Chairman – Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine, made this statement during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

“In addition, the ZNPP cooling pond, which contains water, is a separate hydrotechnical structure that also contains water. In this way, it is possible to ensure safe operation of the power units of the Zaporizhia NPP when in shutdown and subjected to the implementation of the measures. I mean avoiding damage to nuclear fuel for several months in such an ongoing mode. The impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam is significant. But in the current state, in terms of the impact on safety, we can operate the power plant within the range I mentioned,” he explained.

At the same time, Oleh Korikov emphasized that the only safe way to ensure the safety of the ZNPP is to return it to under the full control of the legitimate and competent operator, Energoatom NPP, under the control of the legal regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety, and, accordingly, to de-occupy and demilitarize the ZNPP.

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