All Ukrainian NPPs shut down generation after Russian strikes

Nuclear safety under threat: all Ukrainian NPPs shut down generation - IAEA

All nuclear power plants in Ukraine have temporarily stopped producing electricity after Russia's latest strikes on the energy infrastructure. This was announced by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Raphael Grossi.

According to him, the decision to shut down generation was related to security risks for the operation of the power system and the stability of external power supply, which is necessary for the safe operation of the reactors.

Risks to nuclear safety

Grossi stressed that attacks on energy infrastructure directly affect the level of nuclear safety. The loss of stable power supply can create critical conditions for cooling systems and other protective mechanisms at nuclear facilities.

IAEA stresses the need to stop strikes on energy sector and ensuring permanent access to nuclear infrastructure facilities for international inspectors.

The situation in the power system

The shutdown of nuclear generation comes amid widespread damage to Ukraine's power grid. Earlier, there were reports of strikes on substations, power lines and thermal generation, which caused emergency power outages in most regions of the country.

Experts note that a prolonged shutdown of the nuclear power plant could significantly affect the stability of energy supply and require rapid restoration of the infrastructure.

Context.

Nuclear power plants provide a significant portion of Ukraine's electricity generation. Any threats to their safe operation are viewed by the international community as a factor of increased global risk.

The IAEA has repeatedly called for the protection of nuclear facilities in time of war and for compliance with nuclear safety principles.