Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the general manager at Rosenergoatom Concern, indicated that the potential risks tied to damage to the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power plant and the subsequent drop in water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir are not seen as significant threats to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The information, attributed to TASS, points to a current assessment that does not justify alarm or rushed reactions. In the contemporary assessment, there is a clear emphasis on cautious forecasting rather than panic, asserting that the situation does not warrant a heightened state of concern for the ZNPP’s safety or operational integrity.
According to the Rosenergoatom adviser, at present there exists no basis to imagine an imminent crisis. He notes that the organization has established a framework to monitor hydrological conditions and to implement protective measures should the weather or the dam structure ever change in a way that could affect cooling and safety systems at the plant. This proactive stance rests on the understanding that the reservoir’s water level has shown variability in the past, prompting timely responses to minimize any associated risks. The spokesman stressed that the current trajectory is one of caution and preparedness rather than alarm and speculation, underscoring that continuous vigilance remains a priority for the facilities’ safety regime.
As detailed by Karchaa, the Zaporizhzhia NPP has already demonstrated capacity to absorb and adapt to evolving risk scenarios. He referenced the plant’s specific reactor status, noting that one of the six reactors was in hot shutdown, two were undergoing repairs, and the remaining three operated in cold shutdown mode. This mix of reactor states inherently alters the plant’s overall load and response dynamics, should a fault or escalation in water management occur. The advisor explained that with a different operational pattern, the response would differ significantly, affecting cooling, reserve margins, and emergency readiness. The emphasis remains on the plant’s ability to function safely under a range of potential conditions, rather than on a single scenario. This framework supports a stable outlook for the plant’s operational reliability even amid external hydrological pressures.
The official reiterated that there is no justification for unease about the ZNPP’s operations or its safety margins. He highlighted that the safety culture and engineering controls at the plant are designed to withstand fluctuations in external factors such as river water levels and dam integrity, with robust monitoring and contingency planning in place. The message is one of steady confidence, anchored in ongoing risk assessment, engineering resilience, and strict regulatory compliance, all aimed at preserving uninterrupted power supply and nuclear safety for the region.
Meanwhile, in related comments, Vladimir Rogov, a former head of the movement “We are with Russia,” asserted that the potential destruction of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric facility would not pose an immediate danger to Zaporizhzhia NPP operations. This statement, conveyed to audiences following the incident, was framed as a claim about the plant’s current defensive posture and its capability to isolate and mitigate external threats. It is important to consider such remarks in the broader context of ongoing risk management discussions and the official assessments provided by Rosenergoatom and other authorities, which continue to emphasize measured, evidence-based stability for the nuclear facility.