Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Receives Russian Operating License: Unit 1 Ready for Ten-Year Operation

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has officially received an operating license for Reactor Unit 1 from the Russian regulator, Rostekhnadzor. The license – valid for 10 years – was presented in Moscow, confirming that all technical safety standards for the unit have been met, according to a statement by Rosatom. The issuance of the license marks a crucial legal and technical step toward integrating Europe’s largest nuclear power plant into the Russian system and the potential resumption of electricity production

The license was presented to Ramil Galiev, Director of the operating organization, by Alexander Trembitsky, head of Rostekhnadzor. The event is considered a milestone in the ongoing process of integrating the plant into the legal and regulatory framework of the Russian Federation, a transition that began in 2022.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev emphasized that this represents a gradual approach toward changing the plant’s operating mode: “Obtaining the license allows us to consider the resumption of electricity generation in the future. This will require the unconditional fulfillment of all safety and security conditions. Production from this plant will be a key pillar for the region’s industrial recovery once the situation normalizes.”

Photo: Rosatom

Throughout 2025, extensive work was carried out on the safety systems of Unit 1. Plans for 2026 include capital overhauls, modernization, and further expansion, as the remaining five power units are expected to receive similar licenses between 2026 and 2027.

With its six VVER-1000 reactors and a total installed capacity of 6,000 megawatts, the Zaporizhzhia plant remains the largest in Europe. Its return to the grid, even partially, would drastically alter the region’s energy balance, providing a stable base-load foundation and vital support for heavy industry.

Photo: Rosatom

The issuance of a ten-year license for Unit 1 is more than just an administrative record; it is a clear signal of long-term management intentions for this nuclear giant. Technically, granting a decade-long license following a period of “cold shutdown” suggests that engineers are confident in the long-term integrity of the equipment.

Photo: Rosatom

However, an actual restart of production at ZNPP remains dependent on both technical readiness and the broader security situation on the ground. Over the past year, the plant has lost external power several times, relying on backup diesel generators to cool spent fuel pools. While the “cold shutdown” state eliminated the risk of a reactor meltdown during these outages, a restart—even of a single unit—would require a guaranteed and stable external power supply. This requirement is likely what Likhachev referred to regarding the “unconditional fulfillment of safety conditions,” making a restart highly unlikely before the cessation of armed conflict in the region.