The IAEA is observing increased difficulties in ensuring reliable water supply for reactor cooling at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant occupied by Russia.

This information is available on the International Atomic Energy Agency's website.

"In the last two weeks, IAEA staff continued monitoring the cooling systems of the NPP. Six reactors have been in a state of 'cold shutdown' since spring 2024 but still require cooling water for safety systems, reactor active zones, and spent fuel pools. The external power supply situation for the NPP remains vulnerable, as on May 7, the plant lost contact with the last backup power line of 330 kV and relies on a single 750 kV line," the IAEA stated.

The IAEA team received technical updates regarding water distribution at the facility, including water supply for nuclear safety systems and support.

"The team noted increasing difficulties in ensuring reliable cooling water supply for the six reactors in cold shutdown, especially under the current heat conditions, where evaporation rates are high," the agency reported.

Additionally, IAEA experts present at the NPP observed smoke from the administrative building, which houses their office, on August 12. This occurred after reports of a fire near the cooling towers, where burned trees were later discovered.

The IAEA team received information about numerous shelling incidents in the industrial area near the NPP over the past week. "Shelling occurred approximately 1.2 km from the NPP perimeter. Although it did not directly affect the nuclear safety of the plant, the IAEA team hears sounds of military actions daily," the statement said.

IAEA personnel at the Zaporizhzhya NPP observed smoke from the administrative building on August 12 – the incident did not result in increased radiation levels.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy also reported that smoke was observed in the area of the cargo port of the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP, located outside the secured perimeter of the plant.

Later, Energoatom reported that dry reeds were burning at the site of the destroyed Kakhovka reservoir near the temporarily occupied NPP.

It was noted that constant fires at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP have become systemic.

On August 11, 2024, cooling tower No. 1 of the plant's technical water supply system completely burned down. On July 19, 2025, smoke was observed in the area of the NPP due to a forest fire.