The last reactor at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine has been shut down, nuclear operator Energoatom said on its Telegram channel.
“The plant was operating in “island mode” for the past three days, generating electricity for crucial cooling systems from its only remaining reactor in operation because all communications with Ukraine’s grid had been damaged by Russian shelling,” the statement reads. “Therefore, a decision was made to shut down power unit six and transfer it to the safest state — cold shutdown.”
Most IAEA experts left the plant on 5 September; only two of them stayed. “Two people are staying. They will be monitoring the safe operation of the nuclear power plant. On the orders from the mission and Mr. Grossi, they will maintain a permanent presence, and these people will periodically be replaced. He has kept his word, the mission will be permanent," said Alexander Volga, a local pro-Russian occupation “official”.
The plant first disconnected from Ukraine’s grid on 25 August; its own electricity needs were powered by the local thermal power plant.
