IAEA Head Warns Of Nuclear Accident Risk At Zaporizhzhya NPP

• 1.10.2025, 20:00

The Russian-occupied ZNPP has been without external power supply for more than a week.

The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has been without external power supply for more than a week for the first time in three years of war in Ukraine, running only on emergency diesel generators. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned in this regard of the risk of a nuclear accident.

"Although the plant is currently operating thanks to its emergency diesel generators - the last line of defense - and there is no immediate danger, as long as they continue to operate, it is clear that the situation from a nuclear safety point of view is unsustainable. Neither side would benefit from a nuclear accident," he said.

The shutdown occurred when fighting damaged the only remaining power line close to the plant, the IAEA said. The site has more than 10 days' worth of personnel, spare parts and fuel, and regular supplies are maintaining that level. Radiation monitoring has not detected any exceedance of standards now, the agency said.

There is a risk, however, that nuclear fuel could melt if power to the plant is completely cut off and the refrigeration units in the system stop working. "For this reason, ZNPP also has mobile diesel generators," the IAEA recalled.