Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant cooling tower damaged by fire, needs demolition

The cooling tower at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was severely damaged by a fire on August 11, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces blaming each other for the incident. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), assessed the damage during his visit to the site on September 4. He indicated that the structure is no longer usable and will likely need to be demolished. This incident is part of ongoing tensions surrounding the plant, which has been under Russian control since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest in Europe, is currently in a state of 'cold shutdown' and does not produce electricity. It relies on external power sources to maintain the cooling of nuclear materials, which is critical to prevent potential accidents. Grossi's visit included an inspection of a pumping station that is crucial for water supply, especially after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam last year, which has exacerbated water shortages in the region. The situation at the plant remains precarious, with IAEA inspectors stationed there since mid-2022 to monitor safety conditions. Grossi emphasized the fragility of the circumstances at Zaporizhzhia, highlighting the risks involved in the ongoing conflict. He also visited the Kursk nuclear plant in Russia, where he noted the potential for a nuclear accident due to the proximity of Ukrainian forces. The international community continues to express concern over the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones, as the risks of accidents increase amid military actions. The need for a stable and secure environment for nuclear operations is critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.