“Energoatom” explained why the de-energizing of Chornobyl NPP is dangerous

Chornobyl nuclear power plant and other nuclear sites of the exclusion zone are de-energized because of the high voltage power line damage. A long-term lack of electricity can lead to the radiation leak from spent nuclear fuel storage.  

“Energoatom” reports about this.

It is known that there are about 20,000 fuel assemblies at spent nuclear fuel storage that need constant cooling. And this is only possible if there is a power supply.

“If there is no power supply, pumps won`t produce cooling. Consequently, the temperature in exposure pools will increase, the soaring and radiation leak into the environment will occur. The wind can carry away the radioactive cloud to other regions of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Europe,” the statement said.

What is more, the ventilation doesn't work without the electricity at the site, and all the staff can get a dangerous dose of radiation. Also the fire extinguishing system does not work, and this is a big risk during the fire that can occur as a result of the shell-hit. 

 “Now fighting is ongoing, making it impossible to carry out repairs and restore the power supply,” the statement adds.