NewKerala.com

Key Points

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog is sounding the alarm about increasing dangers at the Zaporizhzhia plant. Recent shelling near the facility has heightened concerns about its safety and security. The plant has now been running on emergency diesel generators for nearly two weeks after losing external power. This creates an extremely challenging situation for maintaining proper cooling of the reactors.

Key Points: IAEA Chief Grossi Warns Growing Risks Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

  • Multiple rounds of shelling occurred near the Zaporizhzhia plant with no immediate damage reported
  • Plant has been without off-site power for almost two critical weeks
  • Emergency diesel generators are currently operating for essential reactor cooling
  • IAEA chief calls for maximum military restraint around all nuclear facilities
2 min read

IAEA chief warns of 'growing risks' after shelling near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warns of "growing risks" to nuclear safety after shelling near Zaporizhzhia plant, now relying on emergency generators.

"The nuclear safety and security situation is clearly not improving. On the contrary, the risks are growing. - Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General"

Vienna, Oct 7

Multiple rounds of shelling were heard at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) amid the longest off-site power loss of the plant, posing "growing risks" to its nuclear safety and security, according to a UN nuclear watchdog statement.

The shelling occurred in the afternoon, totalling about 15 rounds at near and middle distance from the site. The ZNPP informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that two rounds of shelling struck around 1.25 km from the site perimeter, the IAEA statement said.

No casualties have been reported and there was no immediate information of any damages. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the shelling further underlined the constant dangers facing the ZNPP, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The nuclear safety and security situation is clearly not improving. On the contrary, the risks are growing," Grossi said. "The plant has now been without off-site power for almost two weeks, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators for the electricity it needs to cool its shutdown reactors and spent fuel. This is an extraordinarily challenging situation."

In the statement, Grossi called for "maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities" and said he will continue to engage with Russia and Ukraine to restore the plant's off-site power as soon as possible.

The ZNPP lost the connection to its last remaining 750 kilovolt line on September 23 during the conflict. Eight emergency diesel generators are currently operating to provide back-up electricity to the site.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Diesel generators for 2 weeks? That's extremely risky. Reminds me of our own Kudankulam plant safety protocols. The international community must pressure for immediate ceasefire around nuclear facilities.
A
Arjun K
While I understand the gravity of the situation, I wish IAEA was equally vocal about nuclear safety concerns in other regions too. Selective concern doesn't help global nuclear security.
S
Sarah B
Living in Mumbai, I can't imagine the panic if something like this happened near Tarapur. Nuclear accidents don't respect borders - this affects all of us 🌍
V
Vikram M
India should offer technical assistance if needed. We have excellent nuclear scientists who could help stabilize the situation. Humanity first!
M
Michael C
This is exactly why India maintains a strict no-first-use nuclear policy. Nuclear facilities should be treated as sanctuaries, not military targets. Hope sense prevails soon.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50