IAEA leader Grossi says "situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is concerning"

IAEA leader Grossi says "situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is concerning"

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the operational safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine. The plant, which is currently under Russian occupation, experienced its tenth blackout on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, according to the IAEA . This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the plant and the broader international community.

The ZNPP, located in the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar, is crucial for cooling its reactors' fuel and preventing a potential meltdown. The plant is equipped with diesel generators to supply power during such blackouts, but the frequency and duration of these outages are causing growing alarm. The IAEA's statement on X highlighted the need for immediate investigation into the cause of the blackout and emphasized the importance of maintaining safe operations .

The IAEA's concerns are further amplified by the recent adoption of a resolution at the 69th General Conference, which demands the immediate de-occupation of the ZNPP. The resolution, supported by 62 member countries, condemns the aggression and calls for the restoration of control over the plant to Ukrainian personnel . This move reflects the international community's commitment to ensuring nuclear safety and compliance with international standards.

The timeline of the occupation and the IAEA's role at the ZNPP is marked by several critical events. The plant was seized by Russian forces on March 4, 2022, and control was transferred to the Russian company Rosatom. The IAEA mission arrived at the plant on September 1, 2022, and since then, the agency has been working to maintain the plant's safe operation. Despite these efforts, the plant has faced significant damage, with estimates suggesting that the occupiers have caused around 30 billion hryvnias in damage and that Energoatom's foregone profits have reached over 167 billion hryvnias .

The IAEA's leader, Grossi, has emphasized the importance of respecting international law and ensuring the stable and safe operation of the ZNPP. The agency's mission at the plant has been ongoing, with rotations of experts to monitor the situation and provide technical support. However, the recent blackout and the ongoing occupation highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict to ensure the plant's continued safe operation.