The fourth power unit of Zaporizhzhia NPP in a state of «hot shutdown» poses a threat

Unfortunately, the fourth power unit of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which is under Russian occupation and has been put into a "hot shutdown" state, is now a threat. Representatives of the national nuclear power generating company Energoatom explained what exactly caused this alarming situation.

Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin emphasized that the equipment of the fourth power unit is not being repaired, but continues to operate. This poses a real threat, as the unit actually operates at high temperatures of 280 degrees Celsius. Technically, a long period of equipment operation under such pressure is dangerous.

Previously, in June, the state nuclear regulatory authorities had already demanded that the fifth power unit of Zaporizhzhia NPP be put into a "cold shutdown" state. However, the Russian occupiers were in no hurry to implement this decision and postponed it until the end of July, after they had already transferred the fourth power unit from cold shutdown to hot shutdown.

Representatives of Energoatom added that such actions of the occupiers are a gross violation of the requirements of the license to operate the fourth power unit. After the actual disappearance of the Kakhovka reservoir, the risk of insufficient cooling water supply to Zaporizhzhia NPP has become real, which increases the danger to the region's energy security.

The Ukrainian authorities and the international community should make every effort to resolve this extremely important issue. The threat posed by the actions of the Russian occupiers at the Zaporizhzhia NPP may affect the environmental and energy stability of not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries. Careful monitoring and timely measures to eliminate the threat at the power units are essential to ensure the security and well-being of the region.