IAEA "Continuous Shelling... Ukraine Considers Closure of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Ukraine is reportedly considering the shutdown of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where the risk of accidents has increased due to recent shelling.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 10th (local time), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under the United Nations (UN), has determined that the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is realistically unsustainable.

Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, explained that five out of the six reactors at the nuclear power complex have been shut down, leaving only one power supply source for the plant, which is a dangerous situation.

This reactor uses the power it generates itself for safety systems that cool the reactor. When the plant cannot supply power on its own, it sometimes draws electricity from nearby power plants. However, the backup power supply line from a nearby coal-fired power plant was damaged during shelling on the 8th. It is still unclear whether the lost backup power supply line will be repaired.

Director General Grossi said that due to ongoing shelling, maintaining the external backup power network is impossible, making reactor repairs unlikely.

Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear company operating the Zaporizhzhia plant, stated that diesel generators can be operated as an emergency measure. However, the diesel generators only have enough fuel left for about 10 days. Additionally, essential personnel working at the plant are reportedly leaving the facility due to power outages at their homes and the risk of shelling.

Grossi said, "The unsustainable situation is becoming increasingly precarious," adding, "It is an unacceptable and unbearable situation."

Shelling continues near the Zaporizhzhia plant, with Russia and Ukraine each blaming the other for the attacks. If power supply to the plant is cut off, the nuclear fuel rod bundles at the core of the reactor could melt, releasing radioactive materials. This could have serious effects not only on Ukraine but also on a wide area across Europe.

Earlier in March this year, Russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia plant shortly after invading Ukraine, but the plant's operation remains under the control of Ukrainian staff. Two experts who participated in an IAEA inspection earlier this month remain at the plant, communicating with Russian forces, Ukrainian staff, and the IAEA Secretariat.

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