Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant switched all reactors to 'cold shutdown' first time since 2022
ZNPP switched all reactors to cold shutdown (photo: Getty Images)
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has put all six of its reactors into a "cold shutdown" state. On the morning of April 13, the last reactor, the fourth, was put into this state, says IAEA head Raphael Grossi.
“The decision to have all six units in cold shutdown is positive in itself, as the cooling down of the reactor provides an additional buffer in case of an accident. But it doesn’t address the fundamental issue of a recent sharp deterioration of the situation at the plant. Without a doubt, nuclear safety and security at this major nuclear facility remains very precarious,” Director General Grossi said.
Last year, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine issued an order to limit the operation of all six ZNPP units to a "cold shutdown" mode. But the Russians who control ZNPP refused to do so.
Speaking about the threat to ZNPP's safety, the IAEA press service said that today the agency's experts at the plant heard artillery "exits" near the station. Some of them were at close range, some were farther away, but still loud.
Situation at ZNPP
Zaporizhzhia NPP, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, was occupied by Russian invaders at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The occupiers deployed military equipment on the territory of ZNPP. Throughout the occupation, the plant was disconnected from Ukraine's power systems several times.
Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin told the IAEA head about plans to restart the occupied ZNPP. According to the WSJ, this was discussed during Putin's meeting with Grossi in Sochi this year.
