A drone strike at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday (April 7) triggered a new crisis at the facility that has been repeatedly brought to the brink of disaster by the war between Russia and Ukraine.
WHO ATTACKED?
Russia, which
has been in control of the facility, Europe’s largest, for almost two years now,
accused Ukraine of launching the attacks.
The
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear watchdog, confirmed there had been
“at least three direct hits”, including on one of the six reactors at the plant,
but did not say who was responsible.
WAS NUCLEAR SAFETY COMPROMISED?
While
nuclear safety had not been compromised, this is a serious incident with potential to undermine integrity of the reactor’s containment system. But such reckless attacks
significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately.
ABOUT ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Zaporizhzhia is
one of five nuclear power stations in Ukraine, which meets almost
half of its electricity demand through nuclear energy. The six reactors at Zaporizhzhia have the
capacity to produce 5,700 MW of electricity.
The drone attacks came
three days after the power station suffered its most recent loss of external power supply. Nuclear power plants are connected to more than one external power source to run essential safety and security operations, including the crucial task of cooling the reactors.
The power station has also faced
frequent shelling and mortar attacks from both sides, making it the
most dangerous nuclear site in the world currently — even though other nuclear power stations in Ukraine have also suffered shelling and lost external power at some point during the war.
HOW RESILIENT ARE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS?
Most nuclear reactors
are made of several layers of steel and concrete, and are
designed to absorb shocks from earthquakes of magnitude 8 or even higher.
CAN SHELLING IMPACT THE POWER PLANTS?
Ordinary shelling or gunfire can’t impact them seriously, and it is not surprising that the drone attack did not cause much physical damage to the Zaporizhzhia station.
It is, however,
not clear how a nuclear power plant would fare against a powerful bomb or missile attack. Such an incident has
never happened, and no country is expected to be so reckless as to bomb a nuclear reactor. However, the war around Zaporizhzhia seems to be testing that assumption.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, consider the following statements:
- A drone strike at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday (April 7) triggered a new crisis at the facility that has been repeatedly brought to the brink of disaster by the war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Russia, which has been in control of the facility, Europe’s largest, for almost two years now, accused Ukraine of launching the attacks.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear watchdog, confirmed there had been “at least three direct hits”, including on one of the six reactors at the plant, but did not say who was responsible.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- WHO ATTACKED?
- CAN SHELLING IMPACT THE POWER PLANTS?
- Background and context
- Key facts and institutional framework
- Significance and way forward
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the news?
A drone strike at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday (April 7) triggered a new crisis at the facility that has been repeatedly brought to the brink of disaster by the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia, which has been in control of the facility, Europe’s largest, for almost two years now, accused Ukraine of launching the attacks.
What are the key facts about Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear watchdog, confirmed there had been “at least three direct hits”, including on one of the six reactors at the plant, but did not say who was responsible. While nuclear safety had not been compromised, this is a serious incident with potential to undermine integrity of the reactor’s containment system. But such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately.
Why is Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Environment, Defence, Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.