Zaporizhia nuclear power plant again without power supply
The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced on Tuesday that the agency’s observers at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant reported, for the second time in five days, an interruption of external power required for off-site plant systems. Emergency diesel generators keep nuclear safety and security equipment operational.
“This repeated loss of offsite power to the plant is a deeply concerning development and underscores the urgent need for a nuclear protection and safety zone around the site”said Rafael Grossi, the director of the IAEA, in a tweet on October 12.
Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday “open to dialogue” with the IAEA on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, located in southern Ukraine and controlled militarily by Russia since March. “We will gladly talk about any issues of mutual interest or which perhaps cause concern, for example, regarding the situation around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant”said Mr. Putin, receiving Mr. Grossi in Saint Petersburg. “In any case, we are open to this dialogue”he insisted.
For his part, Mr. Grossi said he expected a « conversation importante » on issues related to “nuclear security”in particular at the Zaporizhia power plant. “As you know, I have put in place efforts to prevent a nuclear accident, which would be very harmful in general and in particular in this region”he added.
Last week, Russia formally appropriated the Zaporizhia power plant, which it has occupied militarily since March, a decision condemned by kyiv.