Likhachev, Grossi discuss Zaporozhye NPP operations

SOCHI. March 6 (Interfax) - Russian Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi have discussed the operations of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the prospects for its further work, and the provision of security.

Likhachev told reporters following his meeting with Grossi in Sochi that they highlighted the developments in Energodar and at the Zaporozhye NPP "in the context of control [and] security oversight," and the forces at play. "We discussed all this with [our] partners in detail and in good faith," he said.

The issues were discussed "with like-minded people from the point of view of the absolute priority of the Zaporozhye NPP's security," Likhachev said.

"We also talked about what can be done to put the Zaporozhye NPP into operation, what steps should be taken to ensure safety not only in shutdown mode, as it is now, but also during active operation," he said.

There is a long way to this, "in particular, it would be necessary to eliminate the threat of a physical impact and takeover of the plant altogether," Likhachev said. The IAEA should play a key role in ascertaining the safety of the plant, including its further operation, he said.

"We should ensure the absolute security and safety of the nuclear power plant and the impossibility of accidents, even in theoretical terms, minimize and practically reduce radiation coming from functioning nuclear facilities to zero, and of course, develop a brand new attitude to resources," Likhachev said.

The meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Wednesday, will address the provision of the Zaporozhye NPP's safety, ways to make it safe and functional, and the contribution Russia can make to developing the global nuclear energy sector, he said.