RUS | ENG | All
Enter the email or login, that you used for registration.
If you do not remember your password, simply leave this field blank and you will receive a new, along with a link to activate.

Not registered yet?
Welcome!

2022-03-01 12:05:00

UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY

UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY

IAEA - FEB 28 2022 - Ukraine informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today that the country’s nuclear power plants were continuing to be operated safely and securely, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, adding that he remained gravely concerned about maintaining their safety and security during the current conflict. 

Ukraine’s nuclear power programme – 15 reactors at four sites – usually accounts for roughly half its electricity production. 

On 27 February, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry informed the IAEA that Russian military forces were advancing close to the largest of the sites – the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in eastern Ukraine. Additional information received on 28 February from the operator confirmed that the Russian forces were operational near the site but had not entered it at the time of reporting. In this context, Director General Grossi stressed that any military or other action that could threaten the plant’s safety or security must be avoided. 

The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) told the IAEA that it was continuing to gather information and in this morning’s update to the IAEA, the SNRIU said there had been no change in the “physical protection regime” of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and that its six units were in safe condition. 

Director General Grossi said: “I continue to follow developments in Ukraine very closely and with grave concern, especially the conflict’s potential impact on the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities. It is extremely important that the nuclear power plants are not put at risk in any way.” He added: “An accident involving the nuclear facilities in Ukraine could have severe consequences for public health and the environment.” 

Underlining such risks, the SNRIU informed the IAEA on Sunday that missiles had hit the site of a radioactive waste disposal facility in the capital Kyiv, but there was no damage to the building and no reports of a radioactive release. 

Director General Grossi said it was of critical importance to maintain the capabilities of operational teams to ensure safety. In addition, vital supply chains should remain available to ensure that necessary services, equipment and components can be delivered to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities at all times, for example to carry out any emergency repairs. 

Ukraine last week informed the IAEA that Russian forces had taken control of the facilities of the State Specialized Enterprise Chornobyl NPP, located within the Exclusion Zone set up after the 1986 accident. The regulator said today that the shift supervisor at the site had not been replaced since 24 February but that he continued to perform his duties. SNRIU also provided radiation readings from the site which the IAEA assessed as low and in line with near background levels. 

Director General Grossi stressed again that staff at all nuclear facilities must be able to work and rest. He reiterated his call upon those in effective control of such sites not to take any actions that could compromise their safety or put them under undue pressure. 

The IAEA continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine, with a special focus on the safety and security of its nuclear power reactors. The IAEA remains in constant contact with its counterpart and will continue to provide regular updates on the situation in Ukraine.

-----


Earlier:

UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY
2022, February, 25, 11:30:00
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFETY, RELIABILITY
The Ukraine regulatory body, the counterpart, has earlier informed the IAEA that it is maintaining communications with Ukraine’s operational nuclear power plants, which it said are operating safely and securely.
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY
2022, February, 22, 13:05:00
RUSSIA SANCTIONS: CONTINUATION
"To be clear: these measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine," Psaki said.
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY
2022, February, 17, 13:30:00
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR PRIORITIES
The recent decision by the European Union to include nuclear power in the Taxonomy showed that nuclear power will be the driving force for decarbonisation.
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY
2022, February, 7, 11:20:00
UKRAINE, CANADA NUCLEAR COOPERATION
OCNI is an association of 240 Canadian suppliers to the nuclear industry. The Ukraine state enterprise Energoatom operates four nuclear power plants with 15 power units.
UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR: SAFELY, SECURELY
2022, February, 1, 14:40:00
UKRAINE WITHOUT RUSSIAN GAS
Ukraine, which earns more than Poland from gas transit fees, may have to look at ways to diversify its own supplies and rethink its function in the European gas system. Until it does, it will continue to depend on Russia.
All Publications »
Tags: UKRAINE, NUCLEAR