Investing.com -- The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, currently under Russian control, could be operational within months following a ceasefire, according to the U.N. atomic watchdog chief. However, it could take over a year to restart all six reactors. The plant, which is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, was seized by Russian forces a week after the invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the war, Zaporizhzhia supplied 20% of Ukraine’s power.
The plant’s reactors are currently offline due to the ongoing conflict, which poses a risk of a potentially catastrophic accident. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of carrying out attacks, including shelling and drone strikes, which have resulted in essential power lines being downed, a vehicle from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) being damaged, and a cooling tower catching fire.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stated that the agency is waiting for confirmation that active combat has ceased in the area before proceeding. He added that a shift to a non-war mode would signify tangible progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for an end to the war and a swift reconciliation with Moscow, a move that has raised concerns in Kyiv and European countries. The IAEA, although not involved in these discussions, must collaborate with whichever country controls the plant.
A U.S. statement mentioned that Trump suggested in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week that the U.S. could assist in managing, and potentially own, Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. While Zelenskiy denied discussing ownership, he confirmed Zaporizhzhia was a topic of conversation. He expressed that Kyiv would be open to discussing U.S. involvement in modernizing the plant if it were returned to Ukraine. However, Russia stated that any transfer to Ukraine or another country is "impossible".
The IAEA has a small team stationed at Zaporizhzhia and its recent report highlighted that the safety and security situation at the plant remains uncertain. Armed Russian troops have restricted access to parts of the plant. Grossi, however, acknowledged that the plant is being professionally managed by Russia.
Grossi also stated that despite the war hindering comprehensive maintenance work, a gradual restart of the plant, one reactor at a time, should be feasible. He estimated that it could take more than a year, possibly longer, for the entire Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to be fully operational, a task he described as "difficult but not impossible".
The plant’s cooling water supply has been a concern since its primary source, the nearby Kakhovka reservoir, was depleted after its dam was destroyed in 2023. This led to the digging of wells at Zaporizhzhia. Grossi suggested that more ambitious solutions to source water from further away could be considered if a ceasefire is established, potentially facilitating the operation of all reactors.
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