IAEA Assesses Safety of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Amid Diesel Shortage

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under the control of Russian forces, faces no immediate danger despite being disconnected from the national power grid for over a week. The facility is being sustained by diesel-powered emergency generators, which, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, are only capable of operating in this manner for a limited duration.

As of the latest updates, the IAEA confirmed that the diesel reserves at the plant are sufficient for approximately ten more days. Regular fuel deliveries are expected to maintain these reserves, though the situation remains precarious. This incident marks the longest interruption of power supply experienced by Europe's largest nuclear power facility since the onset of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Director General Grossi emphasized the importance of restoring the external power supply to ensure the safety of the reactors and the cooling of spent nuclear fuel. He described the current operational mode of the generators as "not sustainable" and raised concerns about the potential risks should the situation worsen.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant as critical, citing a malfunction in one of the emergency generators. He warned that the existing conditions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the broader region, highlighting the necessity of a stable power supply for the safe operation of the nuclear facility.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located near the city of Enerhodar, is comprised of six reactors and was instrumental in supplying about one-fifth of Ukraine's electricity prior to the conflict. Following its capture by Russian forces in March 2022, the facility has remained a focal point of tension, with both sides accusing each other of endangering its safety through military actions.

In light of the ongoing situation, Grossi has been in constant communication with both parties to facilitate a swift reconnection to the electrical grid, which he described as critically important for nuclear safety. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, underscoring the need for a reliable power supply to maintain essential cooling and safety systems that prevent potential nuclear incidents.

As hostilities persist in the region, the international community remains vigilant regarding the implications of the ongoing conflict for nuclear safety, particularly given the precarious status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.