Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant cooling tower irreparably damaged

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi inspected the cooling tower that was damaged by a fire last month at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He said the tower “will not be usable in the future and will therefore probably be demolished.”

Grossi, who has visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for the fifth time, said the security situation remains very fragile. “Our work continues. We will analyse and assess what we saw today until the conflict ends or until it moves into a phase where no active military operations are taking place,” Grossi said. According to Grossi, the risk of a serious incident cannot be ruled out entirely.

IAEA experts maintain a long-term presence in Zaporizhzhia

The IAEA has had a team of experts at the Zaporizhzhia plant for the past two years. During this time, there have already been 23 staff rotations. The presence of IAEA personnel is intended to enhance the plant’s nuclear safety and security. The plant is located on the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of jeopardising nuclear safety. After the fire in the cooling tower, Russia accused Ukraine of drone attacks, while Ukraine blames Russia for starting the fire deliberately or through negligence.

IAEA steers clear of political debate

At a press conference held after the inspection of the plant, Grossi responded to the question, “Why doesn’t the IAEA assign blame to either side?” The question was posed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Grossi explained that it is important for the agency to stick to the facts and “not be drawn into political discussions.” He added that the IAEA can provide facts and details that analysts can use to draw their own conclusions.

The visit to the Zaporizhzhia plant took place on Wednesday, followed by a visit to Chernobyl on Thursday. Grossi said on social media platform X that the IAEA had delivered 550 beds “as part of our medical assistance to Ukrainian nuclear power plants.” A shipment of ambulances will be delivered soon, and hospital repairs will begin.