This issue tracks the nuclear safety crisis at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after Armed Forces of the Russian Federation took control of the facility in March 2022. It covers the permanent on-site presence of International Atomic Energy Agency, the end of power generation, cooling-water risks following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, attacks and fires at the site, repeated losses of off-site electricity, dependence on emergency diesel generators, and localized ceasefires arranged to repair damaged power lines.
10 events · 10 sources · Updated 16 days ago
Multiple drone strikes hit the site, including the Unit 6 reactor building. International Atomic Energy Agency found no critical damage to nuclear safety systems but warned that the attacks increased the risk of a nuclear accident.
A major fire severely damaged one of the cooling towers at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. There was no immediate nuclear safety impact because the reactors were not generating power, and International Atomic Energy Agency did not determine the cause of the fire.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant spent one month without off-site electricity, relying on emergency diesel generators for cooling and essential safety functions. External power was restored on October 23 after repairs under a localized ceasefire brokered by International Atomic Energy Agency.
The plant's sole remaining 330 kV off-site power line was disconnected at 00:44 local time on August 20, leaving Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant without external electricity. Emergency diesel generators took over essential safety functions, including cooling of the reactors and spent fuel.
With the plant still without off-site electricity since August 20, International Atomic Energy Agency brokered a localized ceasefire around the damaged transmission line. Repairs began after demining, but off-site power had not yet been restored at this point.