OdCNP Nuclear Security Monthly Update: September Report
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- Published: Wednesday, 05 October 2022 23:50
Odessa Center for Nonproliferation introduces a new heading "OdCNP Nuclear Security Monthly Update" by Ali Alkis.
.NUCLEAR SECURITY
September 2022 has witnessed both positive and negative developments about nuclear security. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia invaded both Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plants (NPP), undermining all nuclear security and safety measures.
To prevent further deterioration in nuclear security and safety measures, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts, under the leadership of Director General Rafael Grossi, started the Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhia (ISAMZ). A team of experts and DG Grossi himself arrived at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on 2 September 2022 after a delay lasting several hours due to shelling around it.
Members of the IAEA expert mission visit the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict outside Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, September 2022. REUTERS
Ahead of the mission, DG Grossi stated that the mission was aware of “increased military activity in the area” but was determined to press ahead with its plan to visit the facility and meet personnel there. The aim of the mission was to help ensure nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhia NPP and undertake vital safeguards activities.
Following the ISAMZ, DG Grossi stated, “It is obvious the physical integrity of the plant has been violated several times. This is a reality that cannot continue to happen.” And he added that some members of the IAEA are to stay and maintain a continued presence.
As the IAEA has no authority to order a cease-fire or create a demilitarized zone on its own, the IAEA issued recommendations in a report titled “Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine” to help reduce the risk of a nuclear accident concerning the Seven Pillars.
The first recommendation is that shelling on site and in its vicinity should be stopped immediately to avoid any further damages to the plant and associated facilities for the safety of the operating staff and to maintain the physical integrity to support safe and secure operation. This requires agreement by all relevant parties to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
The second recommendation is that the physical protection system should be operated as designed and licensed and that the continued functioning of safety and security systems and operability of the systems and equipment at Zaporizhzhia NPP be ensured. This requires the removal of vehicles from areas that could interfere with the operation of safety and security systems and equipment.
The third recommendation is that an appropriate work environment, including family support, for operating staff should be re-established. Furthermore, as the operator has the prime responsibility for nuclear safety and security, it should be able to fulfill its mission with clear lines of responsibility and authority.
Surveillance camera footage shows a flare landing at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during shelling in Enerhodar, Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine March 4, 2022, in this screengrab from a video obtained from social media. Zaporizhzhya NPP
The fourth recommendation is that the off-site power supply line redundancy, as designed, should be re-established and available at any time and that all military activities that may affect the power supply systems end.
The fifth recommendation is that all concerned parties should commit and contribute to ensuring effective supply chains for continued nuclear safety and security of the plant under all conditions, including safe transportation corridors, taking advantage of the IAEA assistance and support program as appropriate.
The sixth recommendation is that the emergency response functions should be drilled and exercised, the emergency response facilities to support these functions should be re-established, and preparedness should be re-established through regular training, transparent decision-making chains, and readily available communication means and logistical support. ISAMZ can assist in the preparation and support for such training.
The last recommendation is that reliable and redundant communication means and channels, including internet and/or satellite connectivity, should be ensured with all external organizations necessary for the safe and secure operation of the facility.
Following the mission, the IAEA proposed establishing a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is receiving strong international support. Detailed talks for such a zone have now begun with Ukraine and Russia aimed at agreeing and implementing it as soon as possible.
IAEA DG Rafael Grossi attended an event in New York hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the safety and security of civilian nuclear facilities in armed conflicts. D. Candano Laris - IAEA
On 23 September 2022, the ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and the United States of America, and senior officials from the Republic of Korea and Switzerland, as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed their grave concern regarding the threats posed to the safety and security of nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes in Ukraine and their personnel, significantly raising the risk of a nuclear accident.
The Joint Statement noted the 2009 IAEA General Conference unanimous decision GC(53)/DEC/13 entitled “Prohibition of armed attack or threat of attack against nuclear installations, during operation or under construction,” which recognized the importance attached to safety, security and physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes as well as IAEA General Conference resolutions GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533 regarding armed attacks or threats against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.
Accordingly, they underscored the importance of the IAEA Director General’s “Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security,” outlined in his statement to the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on March 2-3, 2022.
For more robust nuclear security approach and increasing international awareness, the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security hosted 14 side events, including five ESPACE events and two tours, during the 66th IAEA General Conference, held in Vienna from 26 – 30 September 2022.