ENERGO: Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant can meet cooling needs with artesian well water, says Russia-installed governor.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) in Ukraine, which is currently under the control of Russian forces, may use artesian wells as an alternative water source for cooling if the water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir drops below a critical level.

That’s according to Yevgeny Balitsky, the former Ukrainian MP who now serves as the Russian-installed Acting Governor of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Zaporizhzhia was officially annexed by Russia in September 2022 but has never fully been under the control of Russia.

Speaking at a press conference during the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Balitsky stated that the Soviet Union had “carried out a lot of work,” meaning there are a significant number of “artesian wells” near the Zaporizhzhia NPP, located in Energodar.

“Even if the water level, which currently stands at 11.34 metres, falls below ten metres, we will be able to ensure the facility’s operation by using our artesian wells," he said.