IAEA director general says has intensified consultations on ZNPP safety and security zone

BERLIN. March 6 (Interfax) - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi told the Board of Governors on Monday that he has intensified consultations on establishing a safety and security zone around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

"The situation at Zaporozhye NPP underscores the urgent need to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone at the site. I have intensified my consultations with both parties and rely on your continued active support to achieve this important measure without further delay," Grossi said in a statement.

The Zaporozhye NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe operating six VVER-1000 units. According to the latest updates, two of them are operating but are in a hot shutdown, i.e. they are providing only heat. The NPP has not been generating electricity since September 11, 2022.

The plant facilities were passed into Russia's ownership, and the federal state unitary enterprise Zaporozhye NPP was established. The Operating Organization of the Zaporozhye NPP, which was established by JSC Rosenergoatom (part of Rosatom State Corporation), became its operator.