My worst fear at this stage of the war in Ukraine
This fear set in in March, and then, half-forgotten for months, re-emerged in full force this August. If the event I fear materialises, it would affect everyone in Ukraine, and likely most of the European population. The consequences for the rest of the world would depend on weather patterns like wind, heat, and atmospheric pressure.
I am talking about the risk of an explosion at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. I believe this is currently the single greatest risk of the war, and also one with grim consequences well beyond the Ukrainian borders. This power plant, — which is Europe’s largest, — was captured by the Russians in March and remains under their control.
Russia has concentrated military equipment and vehicles in the Zaporizhia power station. The risk comes from Russian mines and shells hitting the nuclear reactors, and from the possibility of failing cooling systems. Every time the reactors are disconnected from power line, the risks of nuclear leakage increase, as the reactors have to rely on backup diesel generators for cooling.
The Economist cites Petro Kotin (currently an acting head of Enerhoatom, a Ukrainian state enterprise operating all four nuclear power station in Ukraine): “Two of four power lines into and out of it have already been destroyed; relying on diesel generators would be risky. If they are taken out by shelling, the plant is about 90 minutes away from releasing radioactive emissions, he says. “You know these generals know nothing about nuclear energy.”
For an expert view on nuclear risks and vulnerabilities, check out this online lecture — presented within KSE Global Minds for Ukraine series:
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