Europe`s largest nuclear power plant, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, has been operating in an isolated power supply mode since September 23rd due to external grid disruptions. The British newspaper The Guardian, citing IAEA sources, reported concerns that emergency diesel generator fuel supplies might last only about 20 days, after which there would be a risk of reactor core meltdown.
Zaporizhzhia NPP Refutes Claims
Officials at the Zaporizhzhia NPP have formally dismissed these concerns, affirming full and stable control over the facility`s situation. According to their statement, the plant has been relying on backup generators for five days. They assert that current diesel fuel reserves are ample for extended autonomous operation, nuclear fuel cooling systems are functioning completely, all vital plant systems are operating normally and are powered, and radiation levels remain within safe limits.
Expert Weighs In
Alexander Uvarov, Director of AtomInfo Center and Editor-in-Chief of AtomInfo.ru, commented on the situation, explaining that the plant gradually shifted to backup power after losing all external power lines. He noted that the duration of operation on diesel generators depends on their technical condition and fuel reserves, which the IAEA estimated at “about three weeks” a year ago.
Alexander Uvarov, Director of AtomInfo Center, Editor-in-Chief of AtomInfo.ru: “The situation has gradually deteriorated; the plant relied on a single external line, and three days ago, that line was also damaged. The backup diesel generators on site are now in operation. Generally, this is a temporary measure. How long the plant can run on these diesels depends on how these generators were maintained under Ukrainian control and the available diesel fuel reserves on site. Rosatom has not disclosed these reserves recently. I believe the IAEA published them a year ago, mentioning a period of about three weeks. Most likely, reserves of that kind remain on site, from which we can infer that three days is not yet critical, and the plant can operate on diesels for quite some time. Diesel fuel supplies can be brought in, although this might be challenging due to the proximity to the front line. However, I am not sure if their continuous operation, day after day, was fully tested. I am more concerned about the condition of the diesel generators themselves. What could this lead to? A meltdown. This is what The Guardian`s publication means when it talks about a Fukushima scenario, but at the moment, there is no immediate threat.”
On-site Employee Provides Reassurance
An employee of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, who identified himself as Vladislav, confirmed that the situation at the plant is calm, and fuel supplies are sufficient. He added that in addition to stationary reserves, mobile diesel generators are available for use if necessary, ensuring the plant “will not be left without a solution.”
“Fuel for the safe operation of the plant is sufficient. People are not panicking. Everyone is performing their work duties. There is no evacuation. Everything is quite calm. Fuel is continuously supplied, especially since there are local storage reserves here. It is true that diesel generators cannot operate for extended periods in such a mode. However, there are also mobile, portable diesel generators, so in an extreme case, they will be used. I believe a solution will be found.”
Asked about frequent attacks:
“The plant itself is not under attack, but shelling occurs quite close by, and drones regularly fly over. Rosgvardia guards and takes action to neutralize them.”
Background on Power Disruptions
Earlier, Rosatom reported that the damage to the Zaporizhzhia NPP`s power lines was caused by Ukrainian armed forces strikes.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth