The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported significant shelling near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), raising alarms about potential threats to its electricity supply.
On June 4, the plant’s administration informed the IAEA that the nearby Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant (TPP), crucial for transmitting electricity to the ZNPP, was under heavy bombardment. IAEA personnel on-site noted smoke rising from the direction of the thermal plant and reported hearing sounds of combat.
The IAEA emphasized the serious concerns surrounding the only power line currently supplying external electricity to the ZNPP, which has experienced multiple outages in recent weeks, forcing the facility to rely on emergency diesel generators.
External power is deemed critical for cooling six reactors at the plant and preventing a nuclear incident. Despite the recent shelling, the power line remains operational, although staff at the Zaporizhzhia TPP were forced to seek shelter due to the attack.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed profound concern regarding the shelling and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. He stated, “This is necessary to avoid the risk of prolonged loss of electricity supply at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.”
Since early 2022, the six reactors at the ZNPP have been in a state of cold shutdown. The IAEA maintains a continuous presence at the site to monitor safety amid ongoing military actions.
The largest nuclear power facility in Europe was seized by Russian forces in the initial weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The plant is currently not generating electricity, and both Ukraine and Russia routinely accuse each other of military actions that jeopardize nuclear safety.
Recent shelling near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has prompted the IAEA to express serious concerns over the facility's electricity supply and safety. The ongoing military actions continue to pose risks to nuclear security in the region.