Increased military activity near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and the city of Enerhodar, where many plant staff live, further challenges efforts to maintain nuclear safety and security at the site, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

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The latest difficulties were underlined by a two-day internet outage from midday on Monday, the longest such disruption since the IAEA established its continued presence at the site almost four years ago. It was not immediately clear what caused the internet loss.

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The ZNPP also continued to face water supply difficulties following last week’s disruption, although groundwater wells continue to provide water for essential safety and security functions at the plant.

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“Military activity near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Enerhodar remains a serious concern. The recent internet outage and water supply problems are further examples of the challenges facing those who operate the plant under already difficult and stressful circumstances,” Director General Grossi said.

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The IAEA has repeatedly stressed the importance of adhering to the Seven Indispensable Pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict, including the need for operating staff to be able to fulfil their safety and security duties and make decisions free of undue pressure.

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“The Seven Pillars remain essential for nuclear safety and security at all of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. In particular, staff must be able to carry out their duties in conditions that allow them to maintain the safe and secure operation of the plant,” Director General Grossi said.

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Elsewhere in Ukraine, IAEA teams continued to report instances of military activity near nuclear sites. This morning, one of the operating NPPs reported the disconnection of a power line, coinciding with the detection of a cruise missile and a drone within its monitoring area. 

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At the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the site reported air raid alarms on a nearly daily basis and detected two drones within its monitoring area late last week, as well as two more earlier this week. At the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant, the site also continued to report air raid alarms on a nearly daily basis and detected two drones within its monitoring area late last week.

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“The continued reports of air raid alarms and drone activity near nuclear facilities underline the need for maximum restraint and strict adherence to the basic principles for protecting nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.

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The IAEA also continued its comprehensive programme of assistance to Ukraine, delivering equipment to help address nuclear safety and security needs at facilities across the country.

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A mobile whole-body counting system was delivered to the Emergency and Technical Centre of Ukraine’s nuclear power operator Energoatom, while flashlights were provided to the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology. The deliveries were made possible with funding from Norway and the United Kingdom.

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Nearly 50 organizations in Ukraine have now received emergency equipment through the IAEA’s assistance programme, with more than 240 deliveries coordinated since the start of the armed conflict.

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“Alongside our continued presence at Ukraine’s nuclear sites, the IAEA is providing practical support where it is needed. With the continued support of Member States and the European Union, we will keep responding to Ukraine’s requests for assistance,” Director General Grossi said.

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Text Courtesy, IAEA