Attitude to nuclear energy has changed due to Russia's war against Ukraine - Grossi
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (Getty Images)
The attitude towards nuclear energy has shifted for the better due to Russia's war against Ukraine, according to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi.
According to him, there has been "a sea-change" in the attitude towards nuclear power due to the climate crisis and Russia's war against Ukraine.
Grossi said that this has led to energy security being prioritized by policymakers.
Situation at occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and was occupied by Russian invaders at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The interveners deployed military equipment on the territory of the plant. Throughout the occupation, the station was disconnected from the Ukrainian energy systems several times.
Recently, the station was visited by IAEA experts who occasionally conduct rotations. The last time the Russians did not allow the IAEA into the reactor halls at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
As reported by Energoatom, there have been no fewer than 8 complete blackouts since the occupation began at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Such incidents can threaten not only the nuclear and radiation safety of Ukraine but also that of other states.
On February 7, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi visited the Zaporizhzhia NPP for the fourth time and checked the situation with the personnel and more.
On February 21, the Zaporizhzhia NPP reportedly lost communication with the last backup external power line.
