Challenges in Cooling Supply at Zaporizhzhia NPP
The IAEA reports new challenges regarding the provision of water for cooling reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is under Russian control.
This information is published on the official website of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“Over the past two weeks, our specialists have continued monitoring the cooling systems of the NPP. Although six reactors have been in a 'cold shutdown' state since spring 2024, they still require water for safety and cooling,” the IAEA states.
The situation with electricity supply at the plant remains complicated, as on May 7, it lost connection with the last backup power line and now relies on a single 750 kV line.
The IAEA team received new updates regarding water supply, particularly for nuclear safety systems.
“We are facing serious difficulties in ensuring reliable cooling water supply, especially during the heat when evaporation levels rise,” the agency reported.
IAEA experts present at the NPP observed smoke coming from the administrative building where their office is located on August 12, following a fire near the cooling towers where burnt trees were found.
The team also recorded instances of shelling in the industrial zone near the NPP. “Shelling occurred about 1.2 km from the NPP perimeter, although it did not threaten nuclear safety,” the statement said.
IAEA staff observed smoke from the administrative building on August 12, but this incident did not lead to an increase in radiation levels.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy also reported smoke in the cargo port located outside the secured perimeter.
Later, Energoatom reported that dry reeds were burning near the power units of the temporarily occupied NPP at the site of the destroyed Kakhovka Reservoir by Russian forces.
Persistent fires at the Zaporizhzhia NPP have become a systematic issue.
On August 11, 2024, cooling tower No. 1 completely burned down, and on July 19, 2025, smoke was recorded due to a forest fire in the area.
