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IAEA warns of critical diesel shortage at Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Energy & Infrastructure

IAEA warns of critical diesel shortage at Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, occupied by Russia, has been without external power for over a week and relies on diesel generators, according to the IAEA.
  • Diesel reserves were initially sufficient for only 10 days, though additional fuel has since been delivered, the agency reported.
  • The IAEA is working to establish a local ceasefire zone to allow for repairs to the main power line, which could restore external electricity supply to the plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a stark warning regarding the critical situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), highlighting a severe shortage of diesel fuel essential for its emergency generators.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the plant has been without external electricity supply for over a week, forcing it to rely entirely on diesel generators. Initially, the plant had only about 10 days' worth of diesel reserves. While several dozen tons of fuel were delivered from outside the plant's boundaries this week, the situation remains precarious.

"The current situation once again shows why reliable external power supply and safe supply routes are essential for ensuring nuclear safety and security of the NPP itself," Grossi said. He cautioned that if external power is not restored soon or additional diesel supplies are not delivered, the plant could be left completely without electricity in approximately 10 days.

The current situation once again shows why reliable external power supply and safe supply routes are essential for ensuring nuclear safety and security of the NPP itself.

— Rafael GrossiEmphasizing the critical need for stable power and supply routes for nuclear safety.

The ZNPP, Europe's largest nuclear power plant with six reactors, was seized by Russian forces shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. It has been subjected to shelling multiple times since then. Although the plant's reactors are shut down, they still require continuous cooling to prevent a meltdown.

The IAEA maintains a permanent team at the plant to monitor the situation. The agency is actively seeking to establish a local ceasefire zone to enable repairs to the main power line, a crucial step that could restore the plant's external electricity supply and alleviate the immediate fuel crisis.

If external power is not restored in the near future or additional diesel supplies are not delivered, the plant risks being completely without electricity in about 10 days.

— Rafael GrossiWarning about the imminent risk of a power outage at the plant.
About this summary

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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