Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant runs on emergency generators with only ten days of diesel

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, seized by Russian forces in 2022, has been operating without off-site electricity for more than a week, forcing reliance on emergency diesel generators to keep its six inactive reactors cooled. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that a ten-day supply of diesel is currently stored at the site, after deliveries on Aug 26 and 27 from an alternative location. The loss of grid power followed military activity on the northern side of the Dnipro River, prompting the IAEA to call for a local ceasefire to allow repairs to the power lines.

Director-general Rafael Grossi emphasized that secure fuel supplies are critical whenever a nuclear plant loses external power. This week, three drone incidents at the plant resulted in injuries to two employees, raising renewed safety alarms. IAEA teams have maintained a permanent presence at the facility since September 2022.