ZNPP still reliant on Ukraine’s grid, but Russia seeks to switch control — nuclear energy expert

Olha Kosharna, co-founder of the NGO Anti-Crisis Expert Nuclear Center of Ukraine and expert on nuclear energy and safety, shared her opinions with Espreso TV.

"In the event of a loss of external power supply due to network damage, ZNPP has backup diesel generators that run on diesel fuel. The reserves in this tank amount to 3,000 tons, and it is located outside the industrial site. In my opinion, this is preparation to later damage the power lines. Currently, ZNPP draws power for internal needs from Ukraine’s unified energy system through the 750 kV line, ZNPP–Dnipro substation, and the goal is to switch it to Russia’s unified energy system. Such plans existed in the summer of 2022, but our forces prevented the switch. As long as these units are not generating electricity, ZNPP relies on Ukraine’s energy system to power pumps and safety systems," she stated.

Olha Kosharna believes this is a plan to bring ZNPP Reactor Unit 1 into operation.

"Likhachov stated this, indicating that the goal is to generate electricity for supply to the occupied territories, including the Kherson region. Since the Kakhovka Reservoir has been lost, there is very little water available to cool the operating reactors. That’s why they currently plan to launch just one unit and are waiting for a license to operate it under Russian legislation," the nuclear energy expert stated.

• On March 26, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced receiving a report on damage to the diesel tank at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP.