The IAEA reports fluctuations in the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants: the situation remains tense
Once again, information about instability in the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants has emerged globally, confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to recent data from the international organization, all three Ukrainian NPPs under Ukrainian control continue to operate; however, their capacities are fluctuating, primarily due to technical issues and external factors related to the military conflict. The largest Ukrainian NPPs – Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and Pivdennoukrainsk – remain active in electricity production, but some of their units are either in scheduled outage mode or operating at reduced capacities. The IAEA report states that energy supply conditions remain controlled but also unstable. At Khmelnytskyi NPP, one reactor was in standby mode for maintenance and refueling. Other production activities were adjusted at the request of the energy grid operator — during this week, the power of the second unit was reduced for 36 hours to carry out planned works. Similarly, at Rivne NPP, the second unit was taken offline in standby mode, which is a standard procedure for maintenance, while the third unit had to reduce output for several consecutive days to help balance the energy system. Pivdennoukrainsk NPP also experienced some fluctuations in its operation. According to the IAEA, all three plants remain under control, but external factors creating additional tension are intensifying. Notably, cases of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detections have been recorded in central regions, which, unfortunately, is typical during recent military conflicts. As stated in the official report: “On April 17, seven UAVs were detected two kilometers east of Khmelnytskyi NPP. Such incidents occur regularly and are considered indicators of ongoing tension in the region.” Additionally, reports of air defense alarms continue in many parts of the country, especially around the Chernobyl zone and Pivdennoukrainsk NPP. International Response and the Situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that the security situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facilities remains extremely tense. He reported that the organization’s expert mission, which was already on-site, was forced to stay home on Wednesday due to unspecified events near the administrative building. According to Grossi, over the past week, the agency’s team repeatedly heard sounds of explosions and gunfire, causing the specialists to be in a state of constant tension. Grossi underlined that the security situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP remains extremely complex and threatening, with potentially catastrophic consequences not only for Ukraine but also for global security and ecology. He called on all parties to adhere to international norms and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in the conflict zone. Overall, the situation with Ukrainian nuclear energy remains difficult and unpredictable. Military activity and tensions increase risks to the safety of nuclear facilities, which hold strategic and energy significance for Ukraine. The international community urges caution and enhanced safety measures to prevent any accidents and maintain energy system stability during this challenging time.