The SNRIU issued an Order dated 10 February 2023 on limiting the operation of ZNPP power units 3, 4, 5, 6, as the state oversight facility, due to the impossibility of eliminating identified violations of nuclear and radiation safety requirements. Therefore, the operation of the specified nuclear facilities at power levels is prohibited.
When issuing the said Order, the SNRIU considered the fact that the Zaporizhzhia NPP site is subjected to periodic shelling, and the power transmission lines with the energy system of Ukraine were damaged. In addition, the generating capacities of the ZNPP, in particular, the information and crisis center, cannot be used as intended due to the deployment of the russian military there, and due to the occupation, the operating organization NNEGC "Energoatom" does not have adequate opportunities to supply goods and material support to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Due to the occupation and pressure (psychological and physical) exerted by the russian invaders, staffing with the right to direct control of the reactor facility is not ensured.
The russian occupiers are illegally constructing unknown structures at the industrial site (on the territory of the Dry Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility and near the standby diesel unit 6), which is a violation of the design documentation of the ZNPP.
Officials carrying out organizational and administrative functions for ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, who have the appropriate licenses provided for by Ukrainian legislation, are not allowed by invaders to the ZNPP site.
Due to the occupation of the ZNPP, the operating organization, for reasons beyond its control, is unable to ensure the supply of goods and material resources to maintain its working condition structures, systems, and components important to safety to maintain its operability which, in turn, does not ensure reliability and operation, in accordance with the maintenance and repair regulations.
Taking into account the above, the SNRIU Order shall assign:
power unit 3 in the state “shutdown for repair”;
power unit 4 is the state “cold shutdown”;
power units 5 and 6 is in the state “hot shutdown” with the further transfer to “cold shutdown”.
The restrictions will apply until the detected violations are eliminated.
The operation of the aforementioned nuclear facilities at the predetermined power levels can be only allowed after a comprehensive SNRIU inspection of the Zaporizhzhia NPP industrial site, inspection of all plant structures, systems and components.
Such an inspection by the Ukrainian nuclear regulator at the Zaporizhzhia NPP will become possible under the condition of de-occupation, de-militarization of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and its return to the full control of the Government of Ukraine.
We hope for the maximum extent possible, understanding and assistance of the IAEA, the world atomic community influencing the russian federation, which occupied the Ukrainian nuclear facility for the sake of the safety and security of the entire world. For the time being, it is possible to return to the safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP only with a joint and tough position, pressure, and sanctions.
To remind, the SNRIU introduced changes to the licenses for the operation of ZNPP power units 1 and 2 on 18 August 2022. Operation of the ZNPP power unit is allowed only in "fuel overloading" - "cold shutdown" modes. ZNPP power unit 2 is in "cold shutdown". state.
Besides, by the Order of 28 October 2022, the SNRIU prohibited construction, mounting, and commissioning activities at the ZNPP dry spent nuclear fuel storage facility.