All six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) should remain in cold shutdown due to the plant’s highly unstable state. This position was articulated by Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA emphasized that, given the plant sits in a war zone, maintaining cold shutdown for all reactors is the prudent path for the time being. (IAEA report)
Grossi explained that any move toward reactivating the Zaporizhzhia complex must be preceded by a comprehensive review of every operational and regulatory facet of the facility. This includes confirming the safety of the cooling systems, ensuring reliable access to external power, and validating the robustness of security measures to protect personnel and infrastructure. Until these elements are thoroughly assessed, the IAEA does not see a viable basis for restarting the reactors. (IAEA briefing)
Even in a scenario where all six units have been kept in cold shutdown, the agency underscored that the situation surrounding the ZNPP remains extremely precarious. The level of risk does not vanish simply because the reactors are not actively producing power. External threats, potential disruptions to the cooling water supply, and the overall ability to maintain safe operations continue to loom large in the safety calculus. (IAEA assessment)
Earlier remarks from the IAEA leadership highlighted that the Zaporizhzhia plant has continued to operate under conditions marked by significant threats. Key concerns cited include the reliability of external power supplies, the continuous provision of cooling water for the reactors, and the ongoing need for careful maintenance of both personnel and equipment under tenacious conditions. These factors complicate any assessment of long-term safety and underscore why the IAEA insists on a thorough, independent verification of all safety parameters before any decision on resuming normal operation. (IAEA briefing)
The agency has consistently stressed that restarting the Zaporizhzhia NPP, given the surrounding conflict environment, is not a straightforward or immediate option. The high-stakes risk calculus—balancing energy needs, safety, and security—remains a central concern for international oversight. The IAEA calls for continued, rigorous monitoring, regular reporting, and transparent, cooperative engagement with Ukrainian authorities, energy system operators, and international partners to safeguard the plant and the people connected to it. (IAEA position)