IAEA concerned regarding situation in Ukraine

Shelling has damaged the Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power’s external power supply system and triggered the emergency protection system of one of the plant’s three operating reactors.

This unit has been disconnected from the grid as a result, Ukraine says.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has issued a statement expressing his grave concern regarding shelling. Again stressing the crucial importance of the IAEA. being able to send a mission of nuclear safety, security and safeguards experts to the site as soon as possible.

Ukraine informed the IAEA that there had been no damage to the reactors themselves, no radiological release and no reports of injuries. However, it said a nitrogen-oxygen station, which supports plant operations, and an auxiliary building were damaged. Firefighters had quickly extinguished a fire at the nitrogen-oxygen station, but it still needs to be repaired. The IAEA has also received information about shelling near the spent fuel storage facility.

Two of the ZNPP’s six units are operating and the radiation situation is normal. Ten of the country’s 15 nuclear energy reactors are currently connected to the grid, including two at the ZNPP, three at the Rivne NPP, three at the South Ukraine NPP, and two at the Khmelnytskyy NPP.