Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: Key Issues
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a big and important nuclear plant in Ukraine.
Russia took control of it in 2022, but Ukraine says it belongs to them.
Both countries want to use the plant's energy, but they can't agree on how.
The plant has six reactors, but they are all shut down right now.
There's also a problem with water supply because a nearby dam was destroyed.
If Ukraine gets the plant back, it will take a long time to fix and use it again.
Both countries are blaming each other for attacks on the plant, and experts are worried about safety.
Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in March 2022, but Ukraine claims ownership.
The plant has six reactors, all currently in 'cold shutdown', with a total capacity of 5.7 gigawatts.
Ukraine and Russia have proposed different plans for joint operation of the plant, involving the U.S.
The cooling pond water level has dropped by 15% since the Kakhovka dam was destroyed in 2023.
Ukraine's energy ministry considers Russia's recent license for reactor No. 1 as illegal and risky.
- Who
- Ukraine and Russia
- What
- Dispute over control and operation of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
- When
- Russia took control in March 2022
- Where
- Enerhodar, Ukraine
- Why
- Strategic importance for energy supply and geopolitical leverage
- Location
- Enerhodar, Ukraine
- Total Capacity
- 5.7 gigawatts
- Number of Reactors
- 6
- Current Status
- All six reactors in 'cold shutdown'
- Water Supply
- Cooling pond level dropped by 15% since dam destruction
- Ukraine's Generation Capacity Deficit
- 4 gigawatts
- Time to Restore Plant
- 5-7 years if Ukraine regains control
- Recent License Issued
- Russia issued license for reactor No. 1 in December 2025