2024-11-17 17:03:00
Ukrainian nuclear power plants cut electricity production on Sunday morning following the massive Russian attacks. It was a precautionary measure, said the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Sunday in Vienna. The nuclear facilities – Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and southern Ukraine – were not directly hit, but the substations on which they depend suffered damage.
Of the nine reactors currently in operation at the three nuclear power plants, six reduced their output during the morning. Currently only two reactors are producing at full capacity, Grossi said after a conversation with the head of the Ukrainian regulatory authority. The main power lines of four of the substations were interrupted. All nuclear power plants continued to be supplied with electricity from outside, it was said.
“The country’s energy infrastructure is extremely vulnerable, which has a direct impact on nuclear safety,” said Grossi. The nuclear power plants must definitely have a secure power supply.
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What are the potential long-term implications of reduced nuclear output on Ukraine’s energy policy and strategy?
**Interview with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Grossi. Following the recent Russian attacks, Ukrainian nuclear power plants have cut electricity production as a precautionary measure. Can you elaborate on the decision to reduce output at the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and southern Ukraine plants?
**Grossi:** Certainly. The decision was made in light of the damage to critical substations that supply electricity to these facilities. While the nuclear plants themselves were not directly hit, the interruption of power to these plants poses a significant risk to safety. It’s essential that they have a secure and reliable power supply at all times.
**Editor:** You mentioned that six out of nine reactors are currently operating at reduced capacity. How does this affect Ukraine’s overall energy supply, especially amid ongoing conflicts?
**Grossi:** Reducing output affects the overall energy supply significantly. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is extremely vulnerable right now, and any disruption can have cascading effects. With winter approaching, it’s crucial for the country to maintain as much energy production as possible, particularly from nuclear sources.
**Editor:** In light of these developments, what measures should be taken to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones?
**Grossi:** International oversight, secure power supply lines, and robust emergency protocols are vital. Additionally, diplomatic efforts must be pursued to protect critical infrastructure from attacks.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Grossi. As a final thought, we invite our readers to weigh in: How should the international community balance the urgent need for energy security with the risks posed by nuclear facilities in conflict zones? Should nations prioritize strengthening these infrastructures or seek alternative energy sources amidst ongoing threats?
