The recent seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Europe by Russian forces has sparked an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. This news has drawn attention to the geopolitical implications of control over nuclear energy and raised questions around the safety and security of nuclear power plants worldwide.
Location and Overview of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Situated on the banks of the Dnieper river, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lies within 200 kilometers from the disputed Donbas region, a scene of continuous conflict between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces. Launched in 1984, Zaporizhzhya is one of the four active nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Ukraine, contributing to approximately 40% of the total electricity output of all Ukrainian NPPs and a fifth of the country’s annual electricity production.
The facility comprises six Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) units, each sporting an impressive gross electrical capacity of 1,000MW. These reactors were commissioned sequentially between 1984 and 1995.
Understanding the Role of Pressurized Water Reactors
Pressurized Water Reactors, or PWRs, are a ubiquitous type of light water reactor that utilize ordinary water as a moderator and coolant. Commonly seen in nuclear power plants around the globe, PWRs are categorized into two types based on the fuel they employ: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) use Natural Uranium, while Light Water Reactors (LWRs) utilize Low Enriched Uranium.
Wider Implications of Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
Attacks on nuclear power facilities present a serious breach of international humanitarian law, particularly Article 56 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. The catastrophic Chernobyl incident of 1986 underlines the importance of maintaining high safety and security standards for all nuclear power plants.
The Infamous Chernobyl Disaster
The Chernobyl accident in 1986 stemmed from a flawed reactor design combined with untrained personnel. The ensuing steam explosion and fires leaked at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the environment, leaving radioactive deposits across Europe.
Nuclear Power Plants in India
Nuclear energy plays a significant role in India’s energy mix and is optimally integrated with other energy sources. With potential for long-term, sustainable energy security, nuclear energy is considered a reliable, eco-friendly base load power source available round the clock.
Presently, India operates 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW, and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW), was connected to the grid in January 2021. The Indian government has granted approval and financial sanction for the construction of 12 new nuclear power reactors.
Upon completion of the current projects and those sanctioned, the country’s nuclear capacity is set to reach 22480 MW by 2031. In addition, the government has given ‘In Principle’ approval for five new sites for future nuclear power plants.
Role of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in India
Some of India’s nuclear reactors are kept under IAEA safeguards. These are typically facilities that use Uranium sourced outside India or new reactor plants established in collaboration with foreign countries. This is to ensure that imported uranium is not diverted for military use and is utilized strictly for generating civilian nuclear energy.
