Ukraine's nuclear plant has lost power supply: IAEA
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently operating on emergency diesel generators after losing its off-site power supply due to military activity. The IAEA has warned that the facility has a limited fuel supply and is urgently seeking a ceasefire to repair critical electrical infrastructure.
Why it matters
The loss of reliable power at Europe's largest nuclear plant poses a severe risk of a radiological disaster, highlighting the ongoing dangers of military conflict near critical nuclear infrastructure.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been without off-site power for more than a week and is currently relying on emergency diesel generators, the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Saturday (August 29, 2026).
The plant, which needs power to keep its six non-operating reactors cool, has only a ten-day diesel supply on site, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement.
It has not had a delivery to an off-site storage facility in about six months, but the plant had been supplied with diesel Thursday and Friday from another off-site location, the IAEA added.
"The availability of diesel fuel is of paramount importance whenever a nuclear power plant loses off-site power," said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
"The current situation once again shows why reliable external power and secure supply routes are indispensable for nuclear safety and security."
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