Rafael Grossi Warns Zaporizhzhia Plant Faces Full Power Loss in 10 Days

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi issued a warning on Saturday that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine risks a total loss of electrical power within approximately ten days if external electricity supply is not restored or additional diesel fuel deliveries are not made promptly.

Reliance on Backup Diesel Generators

Grossi stated that the facility has operated for over one week without external electrical supply and is currently dependent on backup diesel generators to maintain essential nuclear safety and security systems. These include cooling pumps for all six reactors and for spent fuel pools, according to RIA Novosti.

Fuel Supply and External Power as Top Priorities

He emphasized that sustained diesel fuel availability and uninterrupted supply chains are top priorities. Grossi stressed the urgent need to secure a reliable source of external electricity and establish safe, unimpeded transport routes for fuel deliveries to and from the site.

Military Activity Near the Plant Raises Concerns

Grossi expressed concern over ongoing military activity in proximity to the plant. He cautioned that any attacks threatening personnel or areas associated with spent nuclear fuel storage and cooling infrastructure pose an unacceptable risk.

Call for Maximum Military Restraint

The IAEA chief called for the highest degree of military restraint to safeguard both the facility and its staff. The agency continues monitoring the situation at Zaporizhzhia and other Ukrainian nuclear sites amid reports of air raid alerts and drone activity.