VIENNA: The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Monday said that the prospect of restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest nuclear complex, is unsafe amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Grossi’s remarks come as Moscow’s expressed intentions to resume operations at the plant despite concerns raised by the IAEA regarding safety risks posed by the conflict.
Following a meeting with Russian officials last week, Grossi reiterated that restarting the Zaporizhzhia plant would not be advisable as long as warfare continues in its vicinity. Despite Russia’s stated intentions to reactivate the plant, Grossi emphasized the necessity of addressing crucial safety considerations before any such action can be undertaken.
“The idea, of course, they have is to restart at some point. They are not planning to decommission this nuclear power plant. So this is what prompts the need to have a discussion about that,” Grossi stated during a news conference at the IAEA’s quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors.
Key prerequisites for the safe restart of the Zaporizhzhia plant include ensuring the cessation of bombing or any military activity in its vicinity and securing a stable external power supply. Grossi underscored the challenges posed by the current state of infrastructure and the persistent threat of military activity.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has faced repeated disruptions to its external power supply due to shelling and attacks. Grossi highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the critical role of external power in preventing fuel meltdown and ensuring the safe operation of nuclear reactors.
