Energoatom: Zaporizhzhia NPP standing idle since Sept 2022

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which was seized by Russian invaders in March 2022, has been standing idle since September 2022. A total of 4,500 Ukrainian workers are remaining at the plant, where 11,000 people used to work in peacetime.

The relevant statement was made by Energoatom National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine President Petro Kotin on Suspilne TV Channel, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Since September, Zaporizhzhia NPP has been standing idle, not generating electricity but consuming 100 megawatt on a regular basis through the remaining working line. Power units 5 and 6 are now in the so-called hot position, i.e. not operating. Other power units are in cold position, including two under repairs. The plant is serviced by the Ukrainian staff. Rosatom intervened, but their professionals do not have a license to operate power units, they have no experience,” Kotin told.

In his words, Russians are continuously putting pressure on the Ukrainian personnel, forcing them to sign contracts with Rosatom. Out of 4,500 Ukrainian workers remaining at the plant, about 2,500 signed such contracts.

According to Energoatom, Russian occupiers set up a maintenance depot at Zaporizhzhia NPP to repair their military equipment.