Ukraine recently reported the discovery of “explosive devices” on the roof of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. While concerns have been raised about the safety of the plant, experts assure that nuclear power plants are designed to withstand extreme hazards.
U kraine has recently raised concerns about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, claiming that “explosive devices” were discovered on the roof of two of its reactors. This news has prompted discussions about the safety and resilience of nuclear power plants, especially in the face of potential acts of sabotage.
To shed light on the situation, experts in the field have offered valuable insights into the design, safety features, and potential risks associated with nuclear power plants.
Nuclear Power Plants: Robust Structures Designed for Safety
According to Professor Andrew Whittaker from the State University of New York, Buffalo, nuclear power plants are constructed as robust and hardened structures specifically designed to withstand extreme natural and man-made hazards. He emphasized that these plants were never intended to operate in a warzone, as targeting a civil nuclear power plant or using it for military purposes is “a violation of international law and norms.”
Professor Whittaker highlighted that breaching the reinforced concrete walls of a Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant containment building “would be extremely difficult without expert technical knowledge.”