ZNPP switched all reactors to “cold shutdown” for the first time

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has put all six of its reactors into a “cold shutdown” state. On the morning of April 13, the last reactor, the fourth, was put into this state.

This was stated by the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, RBC-Ukraine reports citing the IAEA press service.

"The decision to cold shut down all six units is positive in itself, as cooling the reactor provides an additional buffer in case of an accident. But it does not solve the fundamental problem of the recent sharp deterioration of the situation at the plant. There is no doubt that nuclear safety and security at this major nuclear facility remains very precarious," Grossi said.

Last year, Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate issued an order to limit the operation of all six ZNPP units to a "cold shutdown" mode. But the Russians, who control ZNPP, refused to do so.

Speaking about the threat to ZNPP's safety, the IAEA press service said that today the agency's experts at the plant heard artillery "exits" near the station. Some of them were at close range, some were farther away, but still loud.

A "cold shutdown" is a safe state of a nuclear reactor when the reactor is shut down at low pressure and low temperature of the cooling water. During a cold shutdown, the reactor does not generate electricity.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 14/04/2024