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Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Faces Crisis: No External Power for Weeks

The plant's backup systems are not designed for prolonged use. With fighting blocking repairs, international efforts are urgent to restore power and prevent a nuclear disaster.

In front of the image there are two army personnel standing by holding flags, in between them there...
In front of the image there are two army personnel standing by holding flags, in between them there is a memorial stone, in the background of the image there are plants, carbs, a few other army personnel, electric poles with cables on it and buildings.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Faces Crisis: No External Power for Weeks

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe's largest, faces a critical situation. Russia controls the facility, and it has been without external power since late September. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describes the situation as dire, with backup systems not designed for prolonged use.

The plant, which has six reactors currently not operational, relies on emergency diesel generators for power. These are not a sustainable long-term solution. The plant has enough fuel reserves to last over 10 days, but resupply is ongoing. The reactors have been shut down for over three years, reducing the immediate risk of a major incident.

Fighting in the eastern region has blocked access to repair the main power line and a backup line. Ukraine blames Russian artillery for the latest power loss, while Russia denies the accusation. The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that reliable external power must be restored to ensure nuclear safety.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant's precarious situation highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict in the eastern region. A total loss of power could lead to fuel overheating if cooling systems fail, posing a significant risk. International efforts are underway to restore reliable external power and prevent a potential nuclear disaster.

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