IAEA confirms no imminent restart of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Russia

In recent developments concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that they have not observed any immediate preparations by Russia to restart the facility. This statement comes on the heels of concerns raised by Greenpeace about construction activities near the plant, suggesting that Russia may be attempting to establish high voltage power lines in the region as part of a broader strategy to reactivate the plant. The IAEA has maintained a presence at the facility to monitor its safety and ensure it remains secure amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Zaporizhzhia power plant, which is the largest in Europe, has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite being occupied, the plant has not been generating electricity, as it is currently in a 'cold shutdown' state, meaning that nuclear reactions have ceased. However, the facility remains dependent on external electricity sources to maintain reactor cooling and other critical safety systems. Over the course of the war, persistent disruptions have forced the plant to rely on diesel generators while also implementing measures to access water for cooling, such as digging wells. Ukraine has expressed grave concerns over the construction of the power lines, submitting a formal note to the IAEA emphasizing that any restart of operations at the plant without Ukrainian regulatory approval would be illegal and pose serious threats to nuclear safety. The Ukrainian government has reiterated its stance that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is sovereign property and cannot be operated by Russian authorities or military personnel without proper authorization. In response, the IAEA's Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, highlighted the need for careful discussions regarding the potential restart of the plant. International scrutiny over the situation at Zaporizhzhia continues to be high, given the facility's strategic importance and the fear of a nuclear disaster. Environmentalists, including Greenpeace, have voiced their apprehensions that any further actions taken by Russia toward restarting operations could lead to dire consequences not only for Ukraine but for the broader European region as well. With ongoing hostilities, discussions regarding the future operational status of the plant remain contentious, and the IAEA is actively engaging with both Ukrainian and Russian sides to navigate this critical issue.