Despite warnings and two years of Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid, the Energy Ministry has been criticized for failing to adequately protect nuclear switchyards, crucial for transmitting power from reactors. The unprotected switchyards, located outside the perimeters of Ukraine's three functional nuclear plants, are vulnerable to Russian attacks and could severely impact civilian life and energy resilience.
KYIV, Ukraine – Moscow´s renewed attacks on Ukraine´s electricity infrastructure this winter have heightened scrutiny over the Ukrainian Energy Ministry’s failure to protect the country´s most critical energy facilities near nuclear power sites.
Only in the fall, after Ukrainian intelligence agencies warned of potential Russian strikes targeting the nuclear switchyards, was action taken to begin building protection – far too late in the event of an attack, analysts said. And while Ukraine’s nuclear plants have backup emergency power systems, these “are designed to provide temporary support,” Fowler said. “Without functioning switchyards, the backup systems alone would not be sufficient to sustain operations or prevent safety risks during an extended outage.”
Three layers of fortifications were ordered: sandbags followed by cement barricades capable of withstanding drone attacks and – the most costly and least complete – iron-and-steel-fortified structures. “We wrote officially to the Energy Ministry several times stating this problem over the last 12 to 14 months,” said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the former head of Ukrenergo, who was fired in September and blamed for the failures to protect the energy infrastructure – a move widely criticized as politically motivated.
UKRAINE NUCLEAR POWER ENERGY SECURITY RUSSIA WAR
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AI’s Energy Demands Threaten a Nuclear Waste NightmareReviving nuclear power plants to power AI threatens an avalanche of nuclear waste
Read more »
IAEA Chief Warns of Nuclear Risk as Ukraine Power Grid Faces AttacksRafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited Kiev to assess the situation at a crucial power substation, highlighting the growing threat of a nuclear accident due to attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. While Russia has refrained from directly targeting Ukraine's nuclear power plants, its relentless bombardment of substations poses a significant risk to the country's nuclear safety. Grossi stressed the importance of maintaining communication channels with both Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the need to prevent a catastrophic nuclear event amidst the ongoing conflict.
Read more »
Putin Hypes Possible New Nuclear Projects With IranThe Russian president noted the possibility of building additional nuclear power units in Iran.
Read more »
Nukes on trucks: US firm advances mobile nuclear reactors for military powerNANO Nuclear Energy expands its microreactor portfolio with a strategic acquisition, bolstering its advanced nuclear technology.
Read more »
Drone Attack Sparks Large Fire at Russian Airbase Housing Nuclear BombersA drone attack on a Russian airbase in Saratov region has resulted in a significant fire. The base houses nuclear-capable bomber aircraft.
Read more »
Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Airbase Housing Nuclear BombersA large fire erupted at the Engels airbase in southern Russia, housing nuclear-capable bomber aircraft, following a drone attack. Russian officials confirmed the attack and reported damage to an unspecified industrial building.
Read more »