Likhachev – Grossi: Consultations on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Safety
The eleventh round of interagency consultations concerning the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) took place between the delegation of the Russian Federation. Delegations were led by the Director General of the State Corporation “Rosatom,” Alexey Likhachev, and the delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headed by the Agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi
This meeting was a continuation of an earlier extensive discussion held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rafael Grossi in September, with the primary topic being the ensuring of nuclear and physical nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
In addition to Likhachev, the Russian side in the consultations included the Director of Rostechnadzor, Alexander Trembitsky, the Head of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Alexey Rtiščev, as well as representatives from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rosgvardiya.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of restoring the external power supply to the Zaporizhzhia plant, following the repair of two high-voltage transmission lines – “Dniprovska” and “Ferosplavna-1.”
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev thanked Rafael Grossi and the IAEA experts for their efforts in securing a ceasefire from the Ukrainian side to enable the necessary repair work on the lines. Issues related to staff rotation and joint activities with Rostechnadzor at the plant’s site were also discussed.
Rafael Grossi presented his view of the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, while Likhačev informed the IAEA Director General about the current status of the plant, as well as the measures being taken by Rosatom and Russian ministries to ensure the station’s safe operation “under conditions of continuous provocations from the Ukrainian side.”
The parties also discussed significant international events of interest to both organizations and confirmed the agreement to continue contacts.
Situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Separately, global media reported that on Friday evening, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had lost power supply precisely from the Dnipropetrovsk transmission line, and that it was currently receiving electricity from only one remaining power line. The reports indicated that if it were to lose that last line, the plant would have to rely exclusively on diesel generators for cooling.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been in a state of cold shutdown since the start of hostilities, but despite this, it must continuously ensure cooling for the water in the pool containing spent nuclear fuel.
Source: Rosatom, United24Media
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