Ex-head of Energoatom Derkach claims worst situation in sector in 25 years

11:59, 23.05.2016 1 min read

The situation in the nuclear sector today is the most critical than at any day of Ukraine's independence, former President of National Nuclear Generating Company Energoatom MP Andriy Derkach has said.

"Only seven reactors are operating now. Two reactors were put on the emergency mode in the past 24 hours. Two reactors out of six are in operation at Zaporizhia NPP," he said on May 20, commenting on recent frequent halts of Ukrainian reactors to Interfax-Ukraine.

He said that the similar situation appeared in the middle of 1990s.

"The fuel and energy minister jointly with the justice minister are settling the issue of unblocking Energoatom's accounts for three months. Three months! There is an urgent need to directly address IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] with a statement that current Ukrainian power is unable to control nuclear energy," Derkach said.

He said that a month ago he demanded to convene a special meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on the provision for safety of nuclear power plants' operation. His appeal and appeals of other lawmakers and trade unions of Energoatom remain unconsidered.