On April 26, on the 40th anniversary of the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the Zaporozhye NPP once again lost external power supply due to the shutdown of the Feroslavnaya-1 power line, as a result of which it went into complete blackout mode. Energoatom reported this on Telegram.
For about an hour and a half, the facility was provided with electricity thanks to 19 backup diesel generators. This made it possible to maintain the station’s critical systems in working condition, the energy workers explained.
This is the 15th case of complete blackout of the Zaporizhia NPP since its occupation, Energoatom recalled. Experts emphasized that each such incident significantly increases the risks for nuclear and radiation safety not only in Ukraine, but throughout Europe.
“The situation once again confirms the need for the speedy return of the plant to the full control of Ukraine and its legal operator, Energoatom, which is the only guarantee of the safe operation of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,” the statement said.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, during a speech on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, emphasized that the aggressor country of the Russian Federation turned the Zaporizhia NPP into an object for its war.
“The Russians are firing from there against our cities and villages, storing weapons, shells, and military equipment at the Zaporizhia NPP, they have mined the perimeter of the station, and are actually holding our city of Energodar hostage. The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant has already gone through a complete blackout 14 times,” the head of state said.
