Water Levels Ensure Safety at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: IAEA’s Grossi
The leader of the United Nations atomic energy agency recently visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian control
The leader of the United Nations atomic energy agency recently visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian control. The main focus of the visit was to ensure that there was enough water for cooling purposes at the plant. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated that the plant could operate safely for a certain period of time. Grossi inspected the plant following a breach in the Kakhovka dam downstream on the Dnipro River. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the water level for the plant's safety. According to Grossi, the plant has enough water to ensure its safety for a while, but efforts are being made to replenish the water supply. This was Grossi's third visit to the plant since the Russian occupation began in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling near the plant, posing a risk to its safe operation. Currently, all six reactors of the plant are shut down. During Grossi's return from the visit, gunfire briefly halted the convoy, but there was no immediate danger to the delegation. A Russian energy industry official accused Ukraine of opening fire at the convoy. Grossi mentioned that it was unrealistic to expect Russia and Ukraine to sign a security agreement for the plant while fighting continued nearby. Due to the breach in the Kakhovka dam, the cooling pond adjacent to the plant cannot be refilled using the normal method. Instead, the pond can be replenished using deep underground wells. Grossi acknowledged that the situation at the site was serious but stated that the level of cooling water was sufficient. IAEA inspectors will remain at the site. Grossi's trip was delayed due to security concerns amidst ongoing fighting. Russian forces took control of both the nuclear plant and the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in February 2022. Grossi has consistently called for an end to the fighting near the facility to prevent any catastrophic accidents. The plant has backup power generators and alternative water sources in case of disruptions.
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