The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in a Russian-occupied area of southern Ukraine, has been left without an external power supply for more than a week, operating solely on backup diesel generators. IAEA director Rafael Grossi has warned of the risk of a nuclear accident.
“Europe’s largest nuclear power plant has been without external power for more than a week now, which is by far the longest-lasting such event during more than three and a half years of war. I’m in constant contact with the two sides with the aim to enable the plant’s swift re-connection to the electricity grid. While the plant is currently coping thanks to its emergency diesel generators – the last line of defense – and there is no immediate danger as long as they keep working, it is clearly not a sustainable situation in terms of nuclear safety. Neither side would benefit from a nuclear accident.
The current status of the reactor units and spent fuel is stable as long as the emergency diesel generators are able to provide sufficient power to maintain essential safety-related functions and cooling. Nevertheless, it is extremely important that offsite power is restored. I strongly encourage both sides to work with us and enable these essential repairs to take place. As I have repeatedly stated, a nuclear accident is in no one’s interest, and all efforts must be made to prevent that from occurring.”
The IAEA also writes, citing the administration of the ZNPP, that the fuel reserves for the backup generators are sufficient to last for at least 10 days, and that regular deliveries of additional fuel will allow the plant to keep the generators running.