ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR PLANT
1. Context
There are renewed concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe, which was seized by Russian troops early in the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (July 5, 2023) said the Russians have placed what appear to be explosives on the roofs of several power units at the plant, perhaps intending to fake an attack and blame Ukraine for it.
2. Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is a major nuclear power facility located in Enerhodar, Ukraine.
- It is situated on the banks of the Dnieper River, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Kyiv. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is not only the largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine but also the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
- Construction of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant began in the late 1970s, and its first reactor was commissioned in 1984.
- The plant currently operates six pressurized water reactors (VVER-1000), each with a capacity of around 1,000 megawatts (MW).
- The total installed capacity of the ZNPP is approximately 6,000 MW, accounting for a significant portion of Ukraine's electricity generation.
Image Source: The Indian Express
3. Importance of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant plays a crucial role in Ukraine's energy sector, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity needs. Nuclear power is a key component of Ukraine's energy mix, contributing to energy security and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- The ZNPP has been a reliable source of low-carbon electricity, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address environmental concerns.
- Safety is a top priority at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Stringent safety measures and protocols are implemented to ensure the safe operation of the reactors and minimize the risk of accidents.
- The plant adheres to international safety standards and undergoes regular inspections and assessments by the Ukrainian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- The ZNPP has contributed significantly to the local economy by providing employment opportunities in the region and supporting various industries and services.
- The plant has its own infrastructure and facilities, including housing, schools, and medical centers, to cater to the needs of its employees and their families.
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant plays a crucial role in Ukraine's energy landscape, providing a substantial share of the country's electricity generation while maintaining a strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility.
- It continues to be an important asset in Ukraine's energy diversification efforts and the overall development of its energy sector.
4. War situation around the plant
- August 2022: Sporadic fighting escalated dangerously with increased shelling and mortar attacks blamed on both armies.
- Buildings inside the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex were hit, but no significant damage was reported, and radiation levels remained stable.
- Mid-August: External power supply to the complex was disrupted due to the fighting, forcing the station to rely on emergency generators temporarily.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy raised concerns about a potential nuclear disaster, stating that Russia was technically ready to provoke a radiation release at the station.
- Ukraine's military intelligence directorate reported that the Kremlin had approved a plan to blow up the power station, leading to nuclear disaster response drills in the area.
- Currently, there is no major fighting around Zaporizhzhia, but concerns about the safety of the nuclear plant persist.
5. What was Chornobyl Disaster?
- The Chornobyl accident in 1986 was the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel.
- The resulting steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the environment, with the deposition of radioactive materials in many parts of Europe.
- The disaster was a unique event and the only accident in the history of commercial nuclear power where radiation-related fatalities occurred.
- Two Chornobyl plant workers died due to the explosion on the night of the accident, and a further 28 people died within a few weeks as a result of acute radiation syndrome.
- Some 350,000 people were evacuated as a result of the accident, but resettlement of areas from which people were relocated is ongoing.
6. What is a pressurized water reactor?
- It is a type of light water reactor that uses ordinary water as the moderator and coolant.
- The PWR plant is the most common type of nuclear power reactor in the world. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are fuelled by Natural Uranium while Light Water Reactors (LWRs) are fuelled by Low Enriched Uranium.
- A PWR has two water systems: One is called the reactor (primary) system which retrieves heat generated in the reactor, and the other is called the turbine (secondary) system which produces electric power with steam generated by that heat.
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For Prelims: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Light Water Reactors (LWRs), Chornobyl accident.
For Mains:1. To what extent are operational nuclear installations vulnerable during military conflicts? Discuss with reference the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the potential risks involved. (250 words).
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Previous year Question
1. The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to (UPSC 2011) A. Slow down the speed of neutrons Answer: A 2. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage, does thorium hold over uranium? (UPSC 2012)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only Answer: D 3. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (UPSC 2020) A. Some use uranium and others use thorium Answer: B |
Source: The Indian Express
