Explosion of Kakhovka HPP may affect Zaporizhzhia NPP and Crimea

The explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant cannot but affect the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the annexed Crimean peninsula, which is already experiencing a water shortage.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement by Natalia Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, during a telethon and Energoatom.

Zaporizhzhia NPP

According to Energoatom, the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP could have negative consequences for ZNPP, but the situation is under control.

"As a result of the explosion, the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir is rapidly decreasing, which is an additional threat to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP," the statement said.

The fact is that water from the Kakhovka Reservoir is necessary for the plant to receive feed for turbine condensers and safety systems. The cooling pond is now full. As of 8:00 a.m., the water level is 16.6 meters, which is sufficient for the plant's needs.

"At present, the situation at ZNPP is under control, Ukrainian personnel are monitoring all indicators," Energoatom added.

Crimea

As for Crimea, the peninsula is highly dependent on water supply.

"And for whom did they make worse, I would like to ask. Secondly, let me remind you once again that a similar situation was already provoked by the occupiers when they partially flooded and raised the water level, flooding Kherson region," stated Humeniuk.

"Now the situation is absolutely repeating itself, but the water level is higher and, accordingly, the flooding of the left bank will be greater. This means that the distance we wanted to push the occupiers back will now be dictated to them in such a slightly unnatural way," the speaker added.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 06/06/2023