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IAEA Director General Statement on a Water Leakage at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed that on 9 August 2024, TEPCO found a water leakage at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 2, involving an estimated 25 tons of water from the spent fuel cooling system pump room and the heat exchanger room. The leaked water flowed into drain on the floor connected to the water collection pit (floor sump) located in a room of the first basement floor. The Agency was also informed that TEPCO has not found any leakage spread to other rooms at this stage.

As precautionary measure, TEPCO stopped the spent fuel primary cooling pump in order to investigate the cause and evaluated the temperature level at the pool. TEPCO confirmed that the temperature is within normal range and not above around 46 degrees Celsius. This is below the 65 degrees Celsius limitation of operation. The level of accumulated water in the room had stopped rising, and therefore determined that the water leakage had stopped. 

The leaked water was accumulated in the first basement floor as stagnant water. The level of water was lower than the sub-drain water level around the building, which means the leaked water remained inside the building. TEPCO will treat the leaked water through its water treatment facilities.

TEPCO continues to monitor Unit 2 spent fuel pool and water level, and will make an investigation into the leakage and the future countermeasure to decide the repairing plan utilizing a remote control robot.

It is important to highlight that this event is not related to the ALPS treated water discharge. It happened inside the Reactor Building of Unit 2. The Agency was not informed about any breach of the radiation protection standards.

The Director General will continue to keep Member States informed of further developments, as appropriate.

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IAEA Director General Statement in Relation to the Agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA






IAEA Director General Statement in Relation to the Agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion | IAEA









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15 Aug 2024

73/2024
Vienna, Austria
  1. The Agency was informed that on 5 August 2024 the Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (the “Agreement”) was signed by representatives of the three countries in Washington D.C. and it has been submitted to their legislative authorities for consideration and approval. 
  2. The Agency was also informed that the purpose of this Agreement is to establish a legally-binding framework to facilitate the communication and exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information between and among Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (US), and the transfer of naval nuclear propulsion plants, nuclear material and equipment from the UK and the US to Australia for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, under the enhanced trilateral security partnership ‘AUKUS’.
  3. The Agency notes that the Agreement reiterates the commitment made previously by these countries to set the highest non-proliferation standard in Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
  4. The Agency also notes that, in accordance with this Agreement, Australia is required to only use nuclear material transferred under the Agreement for naval nuclear propulsion, to not enrich or reprocess any nuclear material received, and to be responsible for the management, disposition, storage and disposal of any spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste resulting from naval nuclear propulsion plants that are transferred to Australia.
  5. The Agency wishes to recall that cooperation under the Agreement requires the application of Australia’s CSA, AP and the Article 14 arrangement to be negotiated by Australia with the IAEA pursuant to the CSA and that Australia has to have in place the Article 14 arrangement and any necessary implementing mechanisms prior to the UK or the US transferring any nuclear material to Australia for naval nuclear propulsion.
  6. The Agreement also requires Australia to collaborate with the other parties on measures to be developed with the IAEA to support the IAEA’s ability to implement Australia’s CSA, AP and the Article 14 arrangement in order to meet its objectives with respect to nuclear material and equipment to be transferred under this Agreement and to continue to verify that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material, no misuse of declared nuclear facilities, and no undeclared nuclear material or activity in Australia. The Agreement also includes the commitment of the parties to ensure that Australia can provide the IAEA with information and access necessary to fulfil its obligations, while ensuring the protection of classified information related to naval nuclear propulsion.
  7. Australia has provided to the Agency updated declarations under the AP which reflect this development. 
  8. As previously reported, the IAEA recalls that the bilateral consultations underway with Australia on the structure and content of the Article 14 arrangement continue to be guided by the Statute and Australia’s CSA and AP. As part of these consultations, the Agency is discussing with Australia technical aspects and modalities to facilitate possible verification and monitoring activities by the Agency, as well as the implementation of voluntary transparency measures, in relations to Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion programme.
  9. The Director General will continue to keep the Board of Governors informed of further developments, as appropriate.

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Gemstone Irradiation: Keeping Workers and Consumers Safe

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Rough gemstones can be irradiated at various stages of cutting, from completely uncut ones to cut and polished ones, which are ready for mounting on a necklace, for example. Typically, the gemstone wholesaler  arranges for irradiation to achieve the desired colour enhancement. The gemstones are then kept for a period of time at the irradiation facility until the radioactivity has naturally decayed to safe levels, as specified in the IAEA International Basic Safety Standards or by the national regulatory body.

If there is no adequate regulatory oversight, the irradiated gemstones can potentially result in relatively large radiation doses, which can impact primarily the skin, with the possibility of skin burns. Therefore, regulatory oversight is vital to ensure that gemstones are carefully handled and prepared for purchase by following regulatory processes and guidance for irradiated gemstones

If a country chooses toproduce and trade irradiated gemstones, the IAEA advises the country to use IAEA safety standards, which describe how an effective quality assurance and verification programme should be established and implemented by the irradiation facility. This is aimed to ensure that gemstones with activity concentrations above regulatory limits are not provided to the public directly after irradiation, to wait until it decreases and to ensure that specific batches of gemstones are traceable. Methods include batch labelling, assessment of activity concentrations of specific radionuclides, calculation of decay and release times, and secure storage arrangements and release criteria.

“Ensuring the safety of consumer products that utilize or emit radiation for their functional operation is a regulatory requirement. As regulators, it is essential that we stay ahead of what is happening in the industry, anticipating challenges, and developing robust frameworks that not only react to current risks but also anticipate future ones,” said Igor Gusev, Senior Expert at the Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission. “Our goal is not merely to manage radiation safety but to define and embody best practices that ensure the safest possible use of these technologies”.

The IAEA guide on Radiation Safety for Consumer Products, co-sponsored by the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), assists countries in the safe manufacture and supply of gemstones and other consumer products that contain radioactive materials, like ionization chamber smoke detectors, tungsten welding electrodes and high-intensity discharge lamps, in line with the IAEA General Safety Requirements. This allows countries to maintain an adequate level of control, prevent the sale of consumer products produced in practices that are not justified, while not unnecessarily obstructing the sale of consumer products produced in justified practices.

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Update 244 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) viewed evidence provided to the team today that continues to indicate that Monday’s fire did not start at the base of the cooling tower, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

Following its visit to the impact site yesterday, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) team returned today to cooling tower 1. Due to safety reasons, the team observed from ground level as ZNPP staff filmed and photographed the fire damage to the interior of the tower from the water nozzle distribution level, which is approximately 10 meters high. The photographs and video footage were shown immediately to the team.

The ISAMZ team was later provided with copies of the photos and footage which confirm extensive damage to the internal components at the water nozzle distribution level.

“The evidence gathered reinforces our conclusion that the main fire seems unlikely to be at the base of the cooling tower,” Director General Grossi said.

From the photos and footage of the cooling tower’s interior, the team identified debris consistent with a significant fire and observed dark scorch marks across the interior of the concrete walls rising from the water nozzle distribution level. No foreign objects or materials were visible.

The ZNPP has informed the team that the impact of the fire on the structural integrity of cooling tower 1 needs to be assessed and that there may be a need to dismantle it.

The team has requested access to the second of the two cooling towers at the plant in order to see inside the structure and identify similar materials and specifications which may have been present in cooling tower 1 prior to the fire.

During its walkdown and just after requesting access to cooling tower 2, the ISAMZ team was promptly accompanied back to a secure location due to an air raid alarm.  

“Obtaining access to the water nozzle distribution level would be important for the team to obtain a better understanding of the events and other relevant circumstances. The Agency will continue to request this as part of our role to monitor compliance with the five concrete principles for the protection of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant”, said Director General Grossi.

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Update 243 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) today visited the plant’s cooling towers to observe the impact of yesterday’s fire.

Following its request to immediately assess the impact of the fire, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) accessed the cooling tower area this morning. Based on the observations, the team assessed that it was unlikely that the primary source of the fire began at the base of the cooling tower, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

During the team’s visit to the cooling tower, it determined that the damage was most likely concentrated on the interior of the tower at the water nozzle distribution level, located at roughly ten metres high. The team has requested access to the water nozzle distribution level. It could observe the bottom of the water nozzle distribution level from the concrete foundation columns. The team could also see down into the cold-water basin, which is the base of the cooling tower, and has requested to access it as well. The team was not permitted to access these two locations during today’s walkdown for safety concerns.

Whilst visiting the impacted cooling tower, the team observed burnt areas in the internal equipment higher up, near the water nozzle distribution level. They also observed droplets of burnt plastic and fragments of fallen concrete distributed across the cold-water basin. The team assessed that these droplets were consistent with melted and fallen plastic mesh from the fire. Samples of the debris, including burnt and molten plastic, were collected. The lingering odour from the fire was assessed by the team and determined that in the absence of a sulphur smell, was more likely caused from burning plastic.

Neither tyre nor drone remains were observed during the walkdown.

The team confirmed that there were no significant signs of disturbance of the debris, ash or soot located at the base of the cooling tower.

The nuclear safety of the plant was not affected, as the cooling towers are not currently in operation. The cooling towers are not required as part of the cooling mechanism for the reactors, which are all in a state of cold shutdown.  No radioactive material is present in the area of the cooling towers, which is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the reactor units at ZNPP. The team conducted radiation monitoring in the area of the cooling towers and the reactors and confirmed no signs of elevated radiation levels.

To gather additional information and verify the authenticity of the evidence, the ISAMZ team has requested to accompany ZNPP staff when they photograph the upper part of the water nozzle distribution level.

The team has not been able to draw definitive conclusions on the basis of the findings and observations so far. The IAEA will continue its overall analysis after additional review and access to the water nozzle distribution level and the cold-water basin.

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First Ever International Nuclear Science Olympiad Held in Run Up to International Youth Day

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The first International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) was held form 1-6 August 2024 in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines and welcomed 55 contenders, 27 team leaders and 14 observers from 20 Asian countries. (Photo: Mark Miranda Studios)

The first ever International Nuclear Science Olympiad has been held in the Philippines in the run up to today’s International Youth Day, with the support of the IAEA. 

The world’s most talented science students have been competing at these international competitions since the first International Mathematical Olympiad was held in Romania in 1959.  

Since then, Olympiads have been launched in a further 11 subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology and astrophysics.  

Nuclear science is the latest addition to the list and this inaugural event involved 55 high school students from 14 Asian countries, with more countries around the world expected to join as the competition grows. The next International Nuclear Science Olympiad will be held in 2025 in Malaysia. 

“This International Nuclear Science Olympiad is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a platform for exchanging ideas, forging friendships and inspiring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers,” said Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, during the opening ceremony. 

Students from Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates travelled to Clark, Pampanga in the Philippines in August to participate. Each participating country was represented by up to four students, pre-selected through national competitions and other competitive processes. Prior to joining the international Olympiad, the students attended local training camps in their home countries to hone their technical skills. Representatives from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and the Syrian Arab Republic attended as observers. 

The competition was organized under the umbrella of an ongoing IAEA education project for which the Philippines is the lead country. The project is designed to promote interest in the nuclear field among secondary school students in Asia and the Pacific. It is one of the many IAEA initiatives aimed at attracting the next generation of young scientists and engineers to the nuclear field, in Asia and beyond.  

“The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a testament to the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists, engineers and thinkers. It is a platform for students to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and inspire one another. It is also a reminder of the collaborative spirit that is essential to scientific progress,” said Marina Mishar, Section Head of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific. 

In addition to theoretical and experimental competitions, the students also visited two nuclear facilities in the Philippines. These included the non-operational Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, completed but put on hold in the 1980s. The students also visited the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute which houses a research reactor for training, education and research. 

The Olympiad concluded with an awards ceremony, where eight gold, thirteen silver and sixteen bronze medals were presented.  

Gold medal awardee Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis said: “Despite the long and tiring preparations, my experience was amazing because I was exposed to the beauty of nuclear science and its contributions to agriculture, medicine and more. Most people are unaware of the benefits of nuclear science. With my experience at the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, I’m eager to share with everyone just how incredible nuclear science is.” 

Caleb Chia, another gold medal awardee agreed: “INSO 2024 reaffirmed my interest in physics and ignited my curiosity in nuclear. It was not a topic that was usually learned at my age, but it was great to be aware of what’s possible in nuclear science.” 

The competitive part of the first Nuclear Science Olympiad included theoretical and experimental exams totalling 8.5 hours. The questions demanded a depth of knowledge and understanding of nuclear science on par with post-secondary education standards. (Photo: Mark Miranda Studios)

Mohammad Nur Casib from the Philippines emerged as the top overall scorer and was presented with the title of ‘Nuclear Science Olympiad Ambassador’. As such, Casib will play a crucial role in promoting the understanding and appreciation of nuclear science among students, educators, and the public. He will serve as a mentor and guide to future participants, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. In addition, he received a special award for achieving the highest score in the theoretical examination.  

Singapore’s Tran Doan Duy Phuc also received a special award for achieving the highest score in the experimental component of the examinations. 

International Youth Day is celebrated worldwide each year on August 12, to recognize the potential of young people as active partners in today’s global society.  This potential is particularly valued in the nuclear field, where there is huge demand for the next generation of scientists and engineers.  

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Update 242 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) witnessed thick dark smoke coming from the north-western area of the plant, after hearing multiple explosions throughout the evening. The team was informed that an alleged drone attack on one of the plant’s cooling towers took place today. There is no impact on nuclear safety, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed.

The IAEA team reported hearing an explosion today at the same time the ZNPP informed them that a drone had allegedly struck one of the plant’s two cooling towers.

In order to ascertain the extent and possible cause of this event, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) is requesting immediate access to the cooling tower to assess the damage.

ZNPP has two cooling towers located at the northern side of the cooling pond, outside of the ZNPP perimeter. Cooling towers are used during power operation of the plant. Their damage does not directly impact the safety of the six units in shutdown. However, any kind of fire on the site or in its vicinity represents a risk of spreading the fire also to facilities essential for safety.

The plant confirmed to the team that there is no risk of elevated radiation levels as there is no radioactive material in the vicinity of the alleged attack area. The team independently verified the radiation levels and confirmed it remained unchanged.

IAEA Director General Grossi reiterated that any military action taken against the plant represents a clear violation of the five concrete principles for protecting the facility, which were established at the United Nations Security Council in May last year.

“These reckless attacks endanger nuclear safety at the plant and increase the risk of a nuclear accident. They must stop now,” said Director General Grossi.

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IAEA Director General Statement on Developments in the Russian Federation

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The IAEA has been monitoring the situation on the reported military activities taking place in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

This NPP has six units of two different reactor types: RBMK-1000 and VVER-510. Two of the RBMK-1000 are in shutdown and two are fully operational. The two VVER-510 units are under construction.

In view of the reportedly significant military activity, I wish to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict. Additionally, I emphasize the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation. These include, among others, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of a nuclear power plant. This is valid irrespective of where an NPP is situated.

At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences. I am personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and will continue to be seized of the matter. I will continue to update the international community as appropriate.

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IAEA Milestones Guidance Updated to Include Considerations for SMRs

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

A new version of the IAEA publication ‘Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power’ is now published and has been revised to address issues related to small modular reactors.

The updated document, the IAEA’s foundational guidance on how to prepare to introduce a nuclear power programme or expand an existing nuclear power programme, includes an annex outlining aspects specific to the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and highlights the recent experience of several countries which have completed or made major progress in all three phases with other reactor types as defined by the IAEA’s Milestones Approach.

The release of this second revision is timely as nuclear power has momentum and is increasingly acknowledged as a necessary element of the net zero transition. A major increase in nuclear power deployments is needed for the world to hit net zero carbon goals by 2050, meaning  it must both scale up in existing markets and expand to new ones.

This new edition of the milestones publication, originally produced in 2007 and revised in 2015, is provided within the context of the IAEA’s other guidance and materials relevant to nuclear power development in areas including nuclear safety, security and safeguards. This publication also incorporates lessons learned from recent Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions to countries introducing or expanding nuclear power programmes.

While most new capacity is still expected to come in the form of large water cooled reactors in the coming years, there is a growing opportunity for SMRs to play an important role in reducing emissions and supporting sustainable prosperity. Designed to produce typically no more 300 MW(e), SMRs could be ideal for deployment in remote areas as well as regions with smaller electric grids. SMRs will feature modular designs, enabling systems and components to be factory-assembled and. This could help reduce the time required for construction. And with new end users such as data centres considering nuclear power to meet their growing electricity needs and a range of industrial applications requiring decarbonization, there is no shortage of potential applications. SMRs may be able to be deployed faster and play a larger role depending on how quickly they are licensed and achieve commercial readiness.

“As the nuclear power landscape continues to evolve, so too must the assistance we provide. This latest update of the IAEA milestones guidance comes at a pivotal moment when an increasing number of countries are considering nuclear power for their energy mix to achieve their net zero pledges,” said Aline des Cloizeaux, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Power. “It is clear that SMRs will be a vital component of the clean energy transition, and we must ensure that countries interested in this technology have a solid understanding of what is needed to successfully implement SMR projects.”

SMRs are in many ways very similar to their larger counterparts. They comprise many of the same systems and operate according to the same principles that have driven nuclear power reactors for decades. The needs for SMRs are also mostly the same as for traditional reactors, such as strong legal and regulatory frameworks, proactive stakeholder engagement and environmental protection considerations. But due to their unique features, including lower power output and simplified designs, a few of the specific infrastructure requirements may vary.

Some SMRs, particularly those using coolants other than water, may generate new forms of radioactive waste, and so countries planning to deploy SMRs must plan to manage these new waste types. If new fuel types are employed, it will be important to establish a supply chain to secure the consistent availability of fuel. And new safeguards approaches may need to be developed to address certain novel design features of SMRs, ensuring that robust nuclear material accountancy and control measures are not hindered.

There are currently around 30 newcomer countries either considering nuclear power or moving forward with plans to construct their first nuclear power plant. Bangladesh, Egypt and Türkiye are constructing their first nuclear power plants and several more countries are expected to build their first plants over the next decade or so.

Argentina, China and Russia have SMRs under construction, with the latter two countries having deployed their first SMRs in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Several newcomer countries, including Estonia, Jordan and Poland, have identified SMRs as part of their future clean energy systems. An INIR mission focused on SMRs was conducted in Estonia last October, and Jordan is examining how SMRs could be used to address its seawater desalination needs after meeting with IAEA experts last August.

The IAEA will host the first International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications from 21 to 25 October in Vienna. The conference will provide an international forum to take stock of progress and discuss opportunities, challenges and enabling conditions for the accelerated development and deployment of SMRs. All persons wishing to participate in the event must either be designated by an IAEA Member State or should be a member of an organization that has been invited to attend.

About the IAEA Milestones Approach

The IAEA Milestones Approach enables a sound development process for a nuclear power programme. It is a phased comprehensive method to assist countries that are considering or planning their first nuclear power plant or seeking to expand an existing nuclear power programme. The Milestones Approach splits the activities necessary to establish the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme into three progressive phases of development, with the duration of each dependent on the degree of commitment and resources applied in the country. The completion of each phase is marked by a specific “Milestone” at which progress can be assessed and a decision can be made about the readiness to move on to the next phase.     

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Update 241 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The occurrence of intense fires near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) continues to add to the growing challenges facing Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP), IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

On several occasions over the past week, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) observed several fires at various distances from the ZNPP and nearby villages. Over the weekend, the IAEA experts observed smoke coming from an area to the north of the ZNPP near the ZTPP inlet channel. The plant confirmed that the fire was underneath the overhead cables of the Dniprovska 750 kilovolt (kV) line and the Ferosplavna 1 330 kV back-up power line – the last two remaining external power lines for the ZNPP.

As the summer heat continues, such fires along the pathways of the two remaining lines place the ZNPP at risk of loss of external power. While there was no disconnection of either line on this occasion, the situation highlighted the fragility of off-site power at the ZNPP.

“The off-site power supply to the ZNPP remains vulnerable, and any threat to the operability of the last two power lines is extremely concerning,” said Director General Grossi. “Despite all reactors remaining in a cold shutdown state, the reliability of off-site power is still a major risk to nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP and action must be taken to protect these remaining lines.”

This most recent event follows fires that occurred over the past few months. In early July the IAEA experts observed thick smoke and heard explosions coming from near the plant’s 750 kilovolt (kV) switchyard which had allegedly been caused by drones hitting an adjacent forest, starting fires in windy conditions. Previously in late May, the IAEA team also reported a wildfire south of the same switchyard. During a walkdown to the 750 kV switchyard last week, the IAEA experts observed burned bushes and trees in the area outside the switchyard’s perimeter and reported that there was no other impact from these fires.

This week, a new rotation of experts crossed the frontline to replace colleagues who have been stationed there for the past several weeks. This marks the 22nd IAEA team at the site since Director General Grossi established the mission on 1 September 2022. The IAEA teams continue to hear explosions at various distances from the site.

On Sunday, staff at the ZTPP were allegedly unable to go outside to start the pump that transfers water from the ZTPP inlet channel to the ZTPP discharge channel for some time due to the risk of shelling. The transfer is important as it then provides a supply of water to the sprinkler ponds and other areas. ISAMZ was informed that the pump was later turned back on and there was no impact to nuclear safety at the ZNPP.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that all four diesel steam generators commissioned in January 2024 to provide the steam required by the ZNPP to process liquid radioactive waste have been put into operation. The ZNPP reported that approximately 1000 cubic metres of accumulated radioactive waste water will be processed over the next 10 to 12 days.

The IAEA experts also continue to monitor crucial maintenance activities across the site. On Friday, the safety train of unit 1 and its emergency diesel generator were placed back into standby mode following the completion of planned maintenance. Maintenance work continues on the safety systems of unit 6, and also on the main transformer of unit 3. Additionally, one of the breakers for the automatic transformer, which connects the ZNPP 750 kV switchyard to the ZTPP 330 kV switchyard, was placed under maintenance.

Last week, the IAEA experts assessed the status of several of the site’s 20 emergency diesel generators (EDGs), which serve as the last line of defence in the event of a loss of off-site power at the ZNPP. The IAEA team observed that the EDG for a safety train in unit 5 was started safely during scheduled testing. During a visit to the offsite diesel fuel storage last week, the team was informed by the ZNPP that the reduced storage of diesel fuel is due to upcoming planned maintenance of the storage tanks.

During their regular walkdowns to monitor nuclear safety and security, the IAEA team visited the Dry Spent Fuel Storage Facility and the offsite ZNPP Central Warehouse. They also met with representatives of the ZNPP safety analysis service, who informed them that the focus of the group’s work is on decay heat calculation analysis, given that all reactors are in cold shutdown.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, the IAEA experts present at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site reported continued air raid alarms due to ongoing military activity in the regions on several days over the past week. On Friday, the IAEA experts at the Chornobyl NPP successfully rotated with the new team.

The teams at the Khmelnytskyy and Rivne NPPs reported that the operation of these plants continued to be affected by the impacts of the armed conflict on the electrical infrastructure of Ukraine. The IAEA teams were informed that the power levels of some reactor units were temporarily lowered due to grid limitations.

“The vulnerability of the electricity infrastructure across the country remains very concerning. It is essential that the electricity network across all of Ukraine remains stable to help maintain nuclear safety at all nuclear power plants,” Director General Grossi said.

Separately this week, as part of the IAEA’s efforts to support Ukraine in maintaining nuclear safety and security during the armed conflict, the Agency arranged its 57th delivery of nuclear safety and security related equipment. The delivery consisted of IT equipment for the radiation monitoring network and analytical laboratories of hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The delivery was supported with funding from Sweden.