The six-unit nuclear power plant is Europe's largest nuclear power plant. As a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, it has operated under Ukrainian nuclear regulation. It has been under Russian military control since March 2022 and is situated on the frontline of Russian and Ukrainian forces.
The current operators said that "all permits issued in relation to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant before 30 September 2022, (issued by Ukraine's regulator) remain valid until licences are issued in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of atomic energy use". Earlier this year the plant operators said it must meet Russian regulations and laws by 2028 for all units.
The plant operators said "obtaining this document is a key step in ensuring the long-term and safe operation of the plant's power units. The dry storage facility is designed for the safe storage of used fuel".
All six of the plant's units have been shut down since 2022. There have been International Atomic Energy Agency experts stationed at the plant as part of efforts to help ensure nuclear safety. They are currently monitoring work to restore external power supplies to the plant, with repairs being carried out to power lines on either side of the military front lines.
Ukraine says that the only way to restore safety and security at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is for a return to its control of the plant, and full compliance with Ukraine's regulatory regime.
