Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has embarked on his tenth visit to Ukraine since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The primary focus of his visit is to address mounting safety concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been under Russian control since March 4, 2022, has recently experienced attacks in its vicinity. These incidents have raised alarm bells about the facility's security and operational integrity. The plant, which began construction in 1980 and was completed in 1995, is a critical asset, generating approximately 20% of Ukraine's electricity.
Energoatom, the plant's operator, reported damage to one of the two external overhead lines that supply power to the facility. This damage, attributed to artillery shelling, has heightened concerns about the plant's vulnerability. The situation is particularly precarious as damage to the second line could precipitate an emergency scenario.
The IAEA has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable power supply to nuclear facilities. The Zaporizhzhia plant, which has six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors each generating 950 MW, relies on external power for cooling and other crucial safety functions. Since the start of the conflict, the plant has experienced several complete power outages, underscoring the fragility of its current operational state.
Grossi and his team of IAEA experts have initiated discussions with Ukrainian officials, including Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, to address these pressing issues. The IAEA's permanent presence at the site, established in September 2022, has been crucial in monitoring the situation and providing real-time updates.
"I'm on my way to Zaporizhzhia to help prevent a nuclear accident."
The plant's strategic location on the Dnieper River and its vast site covering 104.7 hectares make it a focal point in the ongoing conflict. Prior to the war, it employed around 11,000 people, highlighting its significance not only as an energy source but also as a major employer in the region.
The IAEA has repeatedly called for the establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the plant. This proposal gains urgency in light of recent events, including reports of IAEA staff at Zaporizhzhia having to seek shelter due to drone threats in the area.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains vigilant, recognizing the potential far-reaching consequences of any nuclear incident at this critical facility.