Attack on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant: “This is an unprecedented situation! »

Last night, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in Ukraine was the scene of a Russian attack. A fire broke out. Fortunately, only two injuries are to be deplored. The safety and security of the nuclear installation seem to be assured again. The risks of a nuclear accident seem to have been eliminated, but the situation remains “tense”according to Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), himself.

From Ukraine, we all knew the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Especially since she was talked about again a week ago, at the start of the Russian military operation in the country. But Chernobyl is not the only nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The country has a total of fifteen reactors. Among which, the six that make up the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe.

This morning, it is she who is at the heart of the news. Because she was, that very night, the target of a Russian attack. According to Ukrainian authorities, tank fire started a fire at the site. An operation that aroused strong reactions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of wanting to establish the “nuclear terror”. And Boris Johnson goes so far as to mention a “direct threat to the security of all of Europe”. But what is it really?

According to the information we have, the shots targeted an administrative building and a laboratory. As Volodymyr Zelensky so aptly pointed out, “Russian tanks are equipped with thermal sights so they know what they are doing”. We can thus assume that the attack of this night did not directly target the core of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. One of its reactors. Moreover, the localized fire that followed was brought under control. And according to theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – a monitoring body under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) -, no equipment ” essential “ was not touched and no increase in radiation level was detected.

Thus, it is a safe bet that the objective of the Russian army was never to provoke a nuclear accident. But quite simply to take control of this plant which produces, according to sources, between a fifth and even a quarter of the electricity in Ukraine. Almost half of theenergy produced by the country’s nuclear power plants. Bearing in mind that the operation could have an effect collateral interesting for the great exporter that is Russia: a further increase in the price of oil.

The consequences of the attack

So why are the reactions this morning so strong? Because the whole world remembers theaccident of Chernobyl and the consequences it had on the region. And more broadly throughout Europe.

The Ukrainian authorities ensure that nuclear safety is now guaranteed again. The United States Department of Energy has confirmed that the power plant reactors from Zaporozhye “are protected by robust containment structures” and that they “are stopped safely”. Only one of the plant’s reactors remains in operation. “At 60% of its capacity”said Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the IAEA in a press conference held a few minutes ago.

The experts also note that, even if nuclear power plants and missile cannot mix well, the risk of explosion, nuclear fusion uncontrolled or radioactive releases are lower here than they may have been in the past near Chernobyl. Why ? Because the reactors of the Zaporozhye power plant are so-called pressurized water reactors – or PWR for pressurized water reactor. The water intended to keep this type of reactor cool – and to avoid runaway – circulates in a circuit separate from that which supplies the turbine and the exterior. These reactors are also equipped with a backup emergency cooling system. Both high and low injection systems pressure.

Some see the worst-case scenario as being at the height of the Fukushima disaster (Japan) in 2011. A tsunami then disabled the cooling system, causing significant emissions radioactive. It is therefore crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the water pumps used to cool the reactors of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. To ensure that at no time are connections cut and that transmission lines remain intact. Another identified risk: the combustible worn out, but still radioactive. It must also be kept cool.

“The situation remains tense”

“The situation is unprecedented”, says Rafael Mariano Grossi. The director general of the IAEA specifies that he is in constant contact with the authorities, but also with the staff of the plant. He confirms that Ukrainian personnel continue to operate the plant, even though Russian forces have taken control of the site. “Usually, I would have said that they continue to operate the plant normally, but there is nothing normal here anymore”, underlines Rafael Mariano Grossi. However, he assures once again that neither the reactors nor the spent fuel repositories have been affected. The radiation measurement systems remain functional and show no increase in activity. Corn “the situation remains tense”.

Rafael Mariano Grossi appeared determined. “Words have meaning and now we have to act on them. The time for action has come. Ukraine called for our help. I decided to go to Chernobyl. » With the idea of ​​reminding Ukraine and Russia of the fundamental principles to be respected by anyone wishing to maintain global nuclear security and safety. “When I mentioned these principles only a few days ago, all our administrators agreed without restraint. However, the first of these principles has just been flouted”underlines firmly the Director General of the IAEA, who asks to ensure, in all circumstances, theintegrity physics of nuclear installations. “Luckily the reactors weren’t hit this time. Luckily… “