Zaporizhzhya NPP receives power from two functioning power lines outside the plant. IAEA: Sounds of explosions and gunfire heard near Zaporizhzhya NPP Peace and Security
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stationed at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reported that a local substation was damaged as a result of shelling in the middle of this week. This incident led to a power outage in Energodar, which is adjacent to Zaporizhzhya NPP, and also affected the plant’s water supply.
According to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, residents of Energodar, including most of the Zaporizhzhya NPP staff, have repeatedly faced problems caused by drone attacks in recent weeks. The latest strike left Energodar without electricity, while the water supply was partially restored.
“Such incidents certainly aggravate an already very tense situation for people working at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant,” the IAEA Director General emphasized. “We continue to monitor the situation. We are also concerned about the general well-being of the plant’s personnel, as it may impact nuclear safety.”
Power and water continue to flow
Despite the instability of Energodar’s power and water supplies, Grossi said, electricity and cooling water continue to flow to the Zaporizhzhya NPP, as the plant receives energy from two functioning power lines outside its boundaries. Eleven groundwater wells continue to provide the Zaporizhzhya NPP with the water needed to cool its six reactors.
Over the past week, IAEA experts heard the sounds of explosions and gunfire at various distances from the station. On two occasions over the past week, the IAEA team observed smoke, which, according to Zaporizhia NPP representatives, was caused by forest fires.
Situation at other nuclear power plants in Ukraine
IAEA teams present at the Khmelnitsky, Rivne, South Ukraine and Chernobyl nuclear power plants reported that nuclear safety at these sites was adequately maintained despite the consequences of the ongoing conflict, including numerous air raid alarms.
IAEA experts continue to conduct regular tours of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. This week they visited the emergency control center, observed testing of safety systems and emergency diesel generators, discussed ongoing maintenance work and checked the availability of spare parts.
As part of the effort aimed at supporting nuclear safety during armed conflict, the IAEA organized a new – 56th since the beginning of the war – supply of equipment to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.