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The US Department of Energy has written to Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy firm Rosatom, warning them not to tamper with sensitive US nuclear technology at the Zaporizhzhia Plant located in Ukraine. The letter, dated March 17, 2023, states that the nuclear technical data at the plant is export-controlled by the US government, and it is unlawful for any Russian citizens or entities, including Rosatom and its subsidiaries, to access, possess, control, export, store, review, or transfer such technology without authorization from the US Department of Energy.
The largest Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in Enerhodar, is the largest nuclear power station in Europe and has been under Russian control since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Despite being operated by Ukrainian staff, Rosatom manages the plant. The frequent disconnection of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Ukraine’s power grid, caused by intense shelling from Russia in the area, has raised significant concerns about the risk of a potential nuclear accident.
The US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has confirmed the authenticity of the letter and an additional letter from the director of the Energy Department’s Office of Nonproliferation Policy to the Inspector General, dated October 24, 2022, details of the technology exported to Ukraine for use at the Zaporizhzhia plant. The letter reiterates that there is no current authorization to transfer this technology to any Russian national or entity
The US has publicly acknowledged its support for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with the Office of Nuclear Energy stating on its website in June 2021 the US has helped implement new maintenance procedures and operations at the reactor to strengthen energy security in Ukraine.
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Source:Omanghana
