Last Update: March 09, 2023, 18:34 IST
France has stated that it will continue to support the IAEA’s action towards ensuring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. (Photo Credits: Reuters)
The head of the UN nuclear agency warned on Thursday about the danger of frequent power cuts at the site
France warned of an “unacceptable risk to nuclear safety and security” from power cuts at a major Ukrainian power plant running on diesel generators following Russia’s missile attack.
“France has taken note and is concerned at reports of a new disconnection (from the grid) at the Zaporizhia plant,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre.
Electricity is essential to operate the pumps that cool the reactors and pools that hold the nuclear fuel at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
The disruption came during a fresh wave of pre-dawn Russian attacks targeting energy infrastructure across the country.
The plant is being powered by generators, which could provide the facility’s energy needs for 10 days, Ukrainian nuclear power operator Energoatom has said.
The head of the UN nuclear agency warned on Thursday about the danger of frequent power cuts at the site.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said it was the sixth time the Zaporizhzhia facility had been disconnected from the power grid since it was captured by Russia a year ago, and the first since November.
Grossi has been consulting with Kiev and Moscow for several months to try to establish a security zone around the plant, but talks appear to have stalled.
Legendre said, “France will continue to support the IAEA’s action towards ensuring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine and in particular its Director-General towards establishing a safety zone around the station”.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)