All reactors of Ukraine’s “Zaprogya” power plant were placed in “cold shutdown” mode

Raphael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, announced that all 6 reactor units of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine were put into a “cold shutdown” mode for the first time in the last two years.

According to this agency’s website, Grossi welcomed this decision and said that such an action “increases the overall safety of the facility”.

In August 2022, the Ukrainian nuclear energy operator announced that the sixth and last reactor of the plant was shut down to prevent possible radiation. However, until today at least one reactor was in a “warm shutdown” state.

The difference between normal shutdown (hot) and cold shutdown is that in the second situation, the fuel is completely or largely cooled; But in a normal shutdown, coolant is still needed, and the fuel stays somewhat hot as it continues to react.

In recent weeks, the Atomic Energy Agency had repeatedly expressed concern about the state of this power plant. In a meeting with the Council of Governors, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization warned about the dangers of the recent drone attacks on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and said that these attacks could take the war to a “new and dangerous” stage.

Russia announced on April 9 that Ukraine attacked this power plant with drones for the third consecutive day. Ukraine denied responsibility for the attack and instead claimed that Moscow was behind the attacks.

Zaporizhia power plant, which has six reactors, was opened in 1986. Zaporizhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and is currently out of control of the Ukrainian government and under the control of Russian forces.