The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been relying on a single off-site backup power line for more than seven weeks, as the IAEA continues negotiations with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to secure a temporary localized ceasefire needed for essential repairs to off-site power infrastructure, IAEA Director General Grossi said today.

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The ZNPP’s main 750 kV Dniprovska power line was disconnected on 24 March. Since then, the plant has experienced three total losses of offsite power when the backup 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 line was also disconnected. 

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Recent Military Activity

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Military activities near Ukraine’s three operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) and the Chornobyl site have intensified over the past several days, posing significant risks to nuclear safety and security. 

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Over the past 24 hours, IAEA teams at Khmelnitskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site were informed of a major increase in drone activity with more than 160 UAVs recorded flying in the vicinity of the sites. 

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While the IAEA’s teams reported no direct impact on nuclear safety, Director General Grossi expressed deep concern about such military activities near NPPs. 

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“Any military action in the vicinity of nuclear facilities significantly increases the risk of a nuclear accident,” he said. “I once again call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to fully respect the Seven Indispensable Pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during the conflict.

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Additionally, on Monday, following a previous attempt on Saturday, the IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP was again unable to go to the nearby city of Enerhodar for their scheduled weekly resupply due to security concerns. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the IAEA teams at the Chornobyl site, Khmelnitskyy and Rivne NPPs were required to take shelter in response to increased military activity. Additionally, the IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP reported hearing indications of nearby military activities.

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Fire Incident at Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

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On 7 May, the Chornobyl site reported a fire covering 1,100 hectares within the exclusion zone, which was reportedly started by a drone impact. The IAEA team at the site was informed that the fire was brought under control and extinguished by early this week. The site confirmed that no abnormal radiation levels were detected during or after the incident.

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Director General Grossi said that the recent fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone highlights the difficulties of ensuring nuclear safety in sensitive areas, especially given current conditions. “Although no abnormal radiation levels were detected, incidents like this could disturb contaminated materials and cause radiological risks. Ongoing vigilance and swift response are essential to prevent these dangers,” he said.

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IAEA Mission to Electrical Substations

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Last week, the Agency successfully concluded its seventh mission to electrical substations in Ukraine since September 2024. During the mission, which covered 14 electrical substations critical to nuclear safety, the team observed damage sustained from recent attacks on several substations, as well as ongoing efforts to restore the operability of key components.

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Text Courtesy, IAEA