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

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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.

French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor has passed a key regulatory hurdle in the United Kingdom, opening the door to potential commercial deployment, despite no current plans for construction.
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.
The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a tender to select a site and conduct initial environmental studies for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step for the country’s energy future.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.