Ukraine: IAEA warns about the safety of nuclear power plants in conflict zones

The IAEA expresses its concerns about the safety of the Kursk and Zaporizhia nuclear power plants, threatened by armed conflict in Ukraine, during a meeting between Rafael Grossi and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Share:

Zaporizhia power plant, Ukraine

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

The safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly those at Kursk and Zaporizhzhia, is a major concern as fighting intensifies in these regions.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), meets Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the immediate risks associated with the proximity of the fighting to these critical infrastructures.
The conflict in Ukraine is putting the security of nuclear facilities under severe strain, heightening the risk of serious incidents.
The IAEA, which is monitoring the situation closely, stresses that the stability of the power grids linking these plants is essential to their smooth operation.
Frequent power interruptions, exacerbated by the hostilities, compromise the safety of the reactors.
The Zaporijjia power plant, which has been under Russian control since the beginning of the conflict, is subject to increased surveillance due to its vulnerability.

Risques Accrus en Zone de Conflit

The proximity of the fighting around the Kursk power plant in Russia poses a direct risk to nuclear safety.
The Ukrainian incursion into this region, launched at the beginning of August 2024, exacerbates this situation.
The IAEA insists on the need to guarantee the safety of nuclear installations by avoiding any military action that could provoke a radiological emergency.
Grossi, during his inspection at Kursk, reminds us of the importance of maintaining plant safety, a crucial issue in preventing disasters.
Volodymyr Zelensky recognizes the seriousness of the situation and supports efforts to protect nuclear facilities.
Moscow’s warnings of the dangers of an attack on the Kursk plant add to the complexity of the situation, underlining the growing tensions in the region.

IAEA Monitoring and Assessment Measures

The IAEA is planning to send a team of experts to assess the damage sustained by certain Ukrainian power stations, which are vital for the safety of the power plants.
The aim of this assessment is to identify the risks and propose solutions for securing these infrastructures.
The conclusions of this mission will be decisive in guiding future actions, emphasizing the need to stabilize power networks to avoid critical blackouts.
The situation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants demands continuous attention and coordinated action from all parties involved.
The discussions between Grossi and Zelensky are part of this framework, seeking to minimize risks in a context of prolonged conflict.

NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Consent Preferences