IAEA: "Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Stable Despite Shelling... On-Site Inspection Needed"

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe located in southern Ukraine, which was subjected to shelling, is in a stable condition. However, it pointed out that key safety measures to ensure the plant's security are not being properly observed, raising ongoing concerns and highlighting the need for expert on-site investigations.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated in a press release on the 8th (local time) regarding the shelling incident at the Zaporizhzhia plant that the current status of the plant is stable and there is no immediate threat, based on a preliminary assessment.

Grossi explained, "This assessment is based on limited information obtained from Ukraine and other sources."

According to the statement, Ukraine reported to the IAEA that the external power supply system within the plant was damaged due to shelling that occurred over two consecutive days on the 5th and 6th.

Additionally, among the three reactors, the emergency protection system was activated in one reactor, which was disconnected from the power grid due to shelling on the 6th. Ukraine's report also mentioned that nitrogen and oxygen equipment supporting the plant's operation was damaged and requires repair. Furthermore, the IAEA has identified that shelling also occurred near the spent nuclear fuel storage facility within the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Grossi stated that key safety protocols for the nuclear plant are not being properly followed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.