Ukraine's nuclear plant has lost power supply: IAEA

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been without external power for over seven days, relying on emergency diesel generators to provide electricity for essential safety functions, reports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On August 29, the IAEA revealed that the plant's diesel fuel reserves would sustain its generators for ten days, a minimum requirement stipulated by regulations.

The IAEA team visited several emergency power facilities on August 24 to assess their fuel levels and determine how long remaining supplies could keep the plant operating if external power was not restored. According to the IAEA, the last fuel delivery to the plant's off-site fuel storage facility occurred in March 2025, with an additional delivery scheduled for May, which was postponed.

The team has not been able to inspect the fuel storage facility since March due to security concerns. On August 27 and 28, the IAEA observed the transfer of several dozen metric tons of diesel fuel from two locations near the site to the plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient diesel fuel supplies and uninterrupted logistical supply chains to ensure nuclear safety and security.

He stated that without the restoration of external power or additional fuel deliveries in the near future, the plant could face a power loss within ten days.