Short Wave How Freaked Out Should We Be About Ukraine's Nuclear Plant?
Sep 16, 2022
Kat Lonsdorf, an NPR reporter based in Ukraine, shines a light on the dire situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently controlled by Russian forces. She discusses the immense pressures faced by the plant's exhausted Ukrainian workers amid ongoing shelling and power outages. The conversation draws alarming parallels to the Fukushima disaster, emphasizing the unique risks of a meltdown in a war zone. Lonsdorf also highlights the economic ramifications of nuclear incidents and the urgent need for a demilitarized zone to ensure safety.
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Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Situation
- Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, is under Russian control but operated by Ukrainians.
- Shelling caused power outages, raising meltdown concerns, similar to Fukushima but with wartime challenges.
Fukushima's Lasting Impact
- Kat Lonsdorf visited Fukushima a decade after the disaster and saw thousands still working to prevent further meltdowns.
- This highlights the long-term commitment required for nuclear plant safety, even after shutdown.
Limited Fuel Supply
- Backup diesel generators at Zaporizhzhia have limited fuel, about 10 days' worth, according to IAEA.
- Getting more fuel is uncertain due to the active war zone and Russian control, raising concerns about long-term cooling.