Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has raised serious concerns about the cooling setup at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Reports indicate that water in the plant’s storage tanks is decreasing at a rate of roughly 5 to 7 centimeters each hour, a trend that has been picked up by major news outlets, including CNN. [Source: IAEA]
Grossi described the situation at ZNPP as deeply troubling. The plant relies on water drawn from the Kakhovka Dam to keep its cooling systems functioning, and the stability of this water supply is critical to maintaining safe cooling for the reactors. He emphasized that a sustained shortage of water would worsen the risk scenario for the facility and complicate operations at the site. [Source: IAEA]
According to the agency, the Zaporizhzhia NPP uses a network of cooling tanks and internal channels designed to ensure continuous circulation of water, which is essential for keeping reactor temperatures within safe limits. Grossi warned that if water reserves fall too low, the plant could face a serious cooling disruption, potentially affecting reactor safety in the medium term. [Source: IAEA]
Current estimates from the IAEA suggest that, under present conditions, the moisture reserves will not be exhausted for at least another month, allowing for uninterrupted cooling of the reactors and continued plant operation. At the same time, observers note the ongoing hourly decline in water levels of 5 to 7 centimeters, underscoring the fragility of the cooling system as the crisis unfolds. [Source: IAEA]
Grossi’s remarks reiterate the critical link between water supply and nuclear safety at ZNPP. Analysts and officials stress that securing a stable source of cooling water is essential to prevent potential outages or safety issues that could arise if the cooling circuit were compromised. The implications of losing cooling capacity extend beyond the plant itself, affecting regional energy reliability and safety planning for nearby communities. [Source: IAEA]
The situation draws renewed attention to the broader challenges facing nuclear facilities in regions with complex water management and geopolitical tensions. Stakeholders continue to monitor hydrological conditions, dam operations, and supply routes that could influence cooling and containment strategies at ZNPP. The IAEA remains engaged in ongoing assessments to inform international responses and ensure transparent communication about risks and mitigations. [Source: IAEA]