香港及亞洲地區科技金融公司新聞(包括AI、區塊鏈、數字貨幣、外匯等)

IAEA urges ‘safety zone’ around Zaporizhzhia nuke plant

Photo taken on Aug 22, 2022 shows the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. (PHOTO/XINHUA)

KIEV – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday called for the establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine.

"The IAEA is ready to start immediately the consultations leading to the urgent establishment of such a nuclear safety and security protection zone at the ZNPP," the agency said in a report after the visit of its mission to the plant.

The IAEA is ready to start immediately the consultations leading to the urgent establishment of such a nuclear safety and security protection zone at the ZNPP

There is an urgent need for interim measures to prevent a nuclear accident arising from the physical damage caused by military means, the report said.

READ MORE: IAEA: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant loses backup power line

Through its mission, the IAEA has established a presence at the power plant to monitor the situation at the site, and to receive direct, fast and reliable information, it said.

In recent weeks, the site of the power plant has been attacked by shelling, which sparked international concerns about the safety of the nuclear facility.

The IAEA mission worked at the plant from Sept 1 to 5.

According to Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy operator Energoatom, two inspectors of the mission would stay at the plant on a permanent basis. 

Seven recommendations

The IAEA report makes seven recommendations. They are listed below.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Chief Rafael Grossi explains a graph as he speaks to the press after the return of an IAEA team from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria on Sept 2, 2022. (JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

"While the ongoing shelling has not yet triggered a nuclear emergency, it continues to represent a constant threat to nuclear safety and security with potential impact on critical safety functions that may lead to radiological consequences with great safety significance.

"Recommendation 1: The IAEA recommends that shelling on site and in its vicinity should be stopped immediately to avoid any further damages to the plant and associated facilities, for the safety of the operating staff and to maintain the physical integrity to support safe and secure operation. This requires agreement by all relevant parties to the establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the ZNPP."

ALSO READ: IAEA: Zaporizhzhia plant loses main external power line

"Maintaining all safety systems for the ZNPP in normal operation and the physical protection system operational is a result of the efforts made by the operating personnel. However, these efforts are being taken under very challenging circumstances with military personnel and equipment as well as representatives of Rosatom being present on the site.

"Recommendation 2: The IAEA recommends that the physical protection system should be operated as designed and licensed, and that the continued functioning of safety and security systems and operability of the systems and equipment at ZNPP be ensured. This requires the removal of vehicles from areas that could interfere with the operation of safety and security systems and equipment."

In this May 1, 2022 file pohoto, a Russian serviceman guards in an area of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in territory under Russian military control, southeastern Ukraine. (PHOTO / AP)

The IAEA recommends that reliable and redundant communication means and channels, including internet and/or satellite connectivity, should be ensured with all external organizations necessary for the safe and secure operation of the facility

"Ukrainian staff operating the plant under Russian military occupation are under constant high stress and pressure, especially with the limited staff available. This is not sustainable and could lead to increased human error with implications for nuclear safety. A sufficient number of operating staff must be able to carry out their important duties without threats or pressure undermining not only their own safety but also that of the facility itself, and any support required to ensure the health of the staff and their families must be provided.

"Recommendation 3: The IAEA recommends that an appropriate work environment, including family support, for operating staff should be re-established. Furthermore, as the operator has the prime responsibility for nuclear safety and security, it should be able to fulfill its mission with clear lines of responsibilities and authorities."

READ MORE: Ukraine sets up crisis center to deal with Zaporizhzhia situation

"On several occasions, the ZNPP lost, fully or partially, the off-site power supply as a result of military activities in the area. Off-site power is essential for the continued safe operation of the plant.

"Recommendation 4: The IAEA recommends that the off-site power supply line redundancy as designed should be re-established and available at any time, and that all military activities that may affect the power supply systems end."

"Recommendation 5: The IAEA recommends that all concerned parties should commit and contribute to ensuring effective supply chains for continued nuclear safety and security of the plant under all conditions including safe transportation corridors, taking advantage of the IAEA assistance and support programme as appropriate."

"Recommendation 6: The IAEA recommends that (1) the emergency response functions should be drilled and exercised, and the emergency response facilities to support these functions be re-established, and (2) preparedness should be re-established through regular training, clear decision-making chains and readily available communication means and logistical support."

ALSO READ: China 'concerned' by situation at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant

"Since the start of the conflict, a lack of communication means and channels has been witnessed. This critical shortcoming only serves to exacerbate current challenges in maintaining the safe and secure operation of the plant with adequate regulatory oversight and in ensuring an effective response locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to any nuclear safety or security event.

"Recommendation 7: The IAEA recommends that reliable and redundant communication means and channels, including internet and/or satellite connectivity, should be ensured with all external organizations necessary for the safe and secure operation of the facility."

READ MORE: Guterres: Don't endanger safety of Zaporizhzhia power plant