Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant may restart after ceasefire

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine could restart within months after a ceasefire, according to the head of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog, the IAEA. However, restarting all six reactors might take over a year. The plant has been under Russian control since early in the Ukraine war. Currently, all reactors at Zaporizhzhia are shut down due to ongoing conflict. This situation raises concerns about safety and the potential for accidents. The plant used to supply 20% of Ukraine's electricity before the war. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for a ceasefire to ensure safety in the region. He mentioned that without active combat, progress could be made toward stabilizing the plant. The IAEA monitors the situation, even though it asserts that the plant is part of Ukraine under international law. Tensions remain high between Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed ending the war and suggested U.S. help in managing Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that while they are open to U.S. involvement in modernizing Zaporizhzhia, discussions of ownership were not on the table. The IAEA has staff at the plant, but their access is limited due to armed guards. Grossi noted that the plant is controlled by Russian forces but acknowledged some maintenance is lacking due to the war conditions. Restarting the plant is feasible, but will be done slowly, one reactor at a time. Water supply for cooling is critical, especially after the nearby Kakhovka reservoir was drained. The conflict has hindered ambitious plans to improve water access, but a ceasefire could change that. If peace is achieved, enhancing cooling systems may become possible, allowing full operations to resume.