Energoatom of Ukraine rules out disconnecting Zaporizhzhya NPP from grid

MOSCOW. June 3 (Interfax) - Ukraine's state-run nuclear power operator, Energoatom, has denied the possibility of disconnecting the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) from the power grid.

"There is only one scenario today - it is the stable and reliable operation of the Zaporizhzhya NPP within the energy system of Ukraine. Its disconnection is impossible either from a technical, economic and political standpoint or from a safety standpoint," the company said on Telegram on Thursday, according to Ukrainian media outlets.

"The Zaporizhzhya NPP operated, is operating today and will continue to stably operate within the energy system of Ukraine. We have every reason to say so confidently," Energoatom said.

The Ukrainian prime minister's advisor Yuriy Boiko said during a visit to the Chernobyl NPP on June 2 that Ukraine is considering a scenario whereby the Zaporizhzhya NPP will be fully disconnected from the grid if there is the slightest threat of loss of control over it.

Data released by the International Atomic Energy Agency on May 31 indicate that two of the Zaporizhzhya NPP's six power generating units are now functioning, while the others are undergoing maintenance or are in reserve.