popular articles

Safety of Zaporizhzhia restart in question according to IAEA

Rafael Grossi, Director of the IAEA, believes that the resumption of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is risky as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Sécurité redémarrage centrale Zaporizhzhia

Please share:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern about the possibility of restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, currently under Russian control. Rafael Grossi, Director of the IAEA, has stated that the security situation around the plant does not allow a safe resumption of operations.

Power plant security and current conflict

At a press conference, Grossi stressed that as long as military activities are taking place around the plant, it is unwise to think about reactivating it. The plant, which houses six reactors, is currently shut down on the recommendation of the IAEA due to safety concerns. Last week, Grossi met Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, to discuss the issue. Although Moscow hopes to restart Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, no immediate plans have been announced for its reactivation. Grossi insisted that important steps had to be taken before any restart.

Requirements for a Safe Restart

For a safe recovery, it is imperative that there is no further bombing or military activity around the plant. In addition, Grossi highlighted the need for a stable external power supply, which requires major repairs to existing lines, made difficult by ongoing conflicts. Exchanges of fire between Russian and Ukrainian forces regularly cut power lines to the plant. Last month, drones attacked the plant, hitting a reactor building in the most serious incident since November 2022. Fortunately, nuclear safety was not compromised, said the IAEA.

Risk of power failure

Grossi said that frequent attacks and cuts in external power lines due to military activity are creating a serious situation. External power supply is essential to prevent a catastrophic meltdown, as it is needed to cool the fuel in the reactors, even when they are shut down.

Outlook and Analysis

The prospects for restarting the plant remain uncertain as long as the conflict persists. The safety of nuclear operations in a war zone raises critical questions for international regulators and players in the energy industry. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely and to engage in discussions with the parties concerned to ensure nuclear safety. Experts point out that any attempt to restart without stable security conditions could have devastating consequences not only for Ukraine, but for the whole of Europe. The IAEA’s efforts to establish safe conditions demonstrate the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in nuclear safety.
The future of the Zaporizhzhia power plant remains a major concern in the context of the ongoing conflict, with far-reaching implications for energy security and regional stability.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Faced with the loss of control over its Somaïr subsidiary and growing tensions with Niger, Orano initiates a second arbitration process to defend its interests in a strategic market.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
The KRONOS MMR™, a modular nuclear reactor developed by NANO Nuclear, achieves regulatory progress and targets key industrial applications, including hydrogen and artificial intelligence.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.
The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.
Doosan Enerbility and the International Nuclear Non-proliferation Center join forces to boost exports and develop modular reactors, addressing growing energy demands.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
EDF steps up its efforts with the Nuward SMR, a 400 MW reactor designed to meet the strategic energy needs of industries and public utilities in Europe.
EDF steps up its efforts with the Nuward SMR, a 400 MW reactor designed to meet the strategic energy needs of industries and public utilities in Europe.
Novatron Fusion Group and Oxford Sigma partner to accelerate the development of fusion power plants in Sweden, combining innovative technologies and advanced materials for reliable industrial solutions.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.

Advertising