The Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) has received the 25th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts to be stationed at the plant since Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi set up an Agency presence there in September 2022. After the team crossed the frontline Russian security personnel accompanied them to the plant site.
IAEA reported that ZNPP unit 1 had been returned to cold shutdown mode after welding and radiography tests were successfully completed on one leaking impulse line. The plant is continuing to investigate the underlying cause of the defect, which had no direct nuclear safety impact.
Over the past week, the IAEA team members examined the current power configuration at the ZNPP, an area which remains a deep source of concern for nuclear safety and security. They were informed that two back-up transformers had resumed operation after successful high voltage testing in late October, and that maintenance would be carried out on the four remaining back-up transformers by the end of the year.
Discussion have been held with ZNPP concerning plant’s preparations for the cold winter months. The plant confirmed that all six reactors will remain in cold shutdown, with required heating provided by on-site boilers instead. The IAEA team also visited the reactor and containment building of unit 4 without identifying any nuclear safety and security issues, as well as some of the emergency diesel generators of units 1 and 5.
IAEA reported that the team has continued to hear frequent explosions, some distance away from the ZNPP but that no damage to the plant was reported.
However, Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on Sovereignty and Co-chairman of the Coordination Council for the Integration of New Regions, reported on his Telegram channel that the nearby operators’ town of Energodar had been shelled by the Ukrainian military, leaving residents of two residential districts without electricity. He said at least three strikes were recorded hitting electrical networks and power lines. He added that in late October, Ukrainian drones had attacked Energodar setting fire to a propane tank and killing a 67-year-old man.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Energodar and the coastline near ZNPP were also reported by Yevhen Balitsky, Governor of the Zaporizhia region. At least five explosions were recorded, he said in his Telegram channel. He urged local residents to remain calm and stay indoors during the attack. He noted that air defence systems were working. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence warned that the Ukrainian special services were continuing to carry out sabotage activities against ZNPP employees and residents of Energodar.
