Serious nuclear safety situation remains at Zaporizhzhia NPP, says IAEA chief
Photo: The situation at the ZNPP remains serious for nuclear safety (Getty Images)
After the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was disconnected from external power sources, a serious nuclear safety situation persists at the facility.
This was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, according to the press service of the international organization.
"For nuclear safety, this is still a very serious situation. I’m calling on both sides to do what is necessary to prevent a further deterioration. It is a question of political will, not whether it is technically possible, which it is," said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
He also emphasized that he is in constant discussions with Ukraine and Russia regarding detailed proposals to restore external power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has relied on emergency backup power for the past ten days.
"Both sides say they stand ready to conduct the necessary repairs on their respective sides of the frontline. But for this to happen, the security situation on the ground must improve so that the technicians can carry out their vital work without endangering their lives," he added.
Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP
Since September 23, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has experienced its tenth blackout since the start of the full-scale war. According to Energoatom, the last external power line connecting the plant to Ukraine’s power grid has failed.
At the same time, Russian occupiers are hindering the restoration of electricity supply. This situation creates a risk of a nuclear accident, which has already been highlighted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Meanwhile, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine warned that if external power is not restored to the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the temperature of the reactor water will rise, potentially leading to a nuclear accident.
