Blackout at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant continues for second day: What is known

"For the second consecutive day, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been forced to operate on diesel generators due to the loss of external power supply. This creates a critical situation that threatens the safety not only of Ukraine but also of European countries," the statement reads.

Energoatom reminded that on September 23, as a result of another provocation by Russian forces, a power line supplying the plant from Ukraine’s energy system was damaged.

According to Ukrenergo, on Ukrainian-controlled territory, this line is fully operational, and there are no technical obstacles preventing its use.

Despite this, the Russian troops are deliberately not reconnecting the plant to the power supply, continuing a crude disinformation campaign against Ukraine. In doing so, they are knowingly putting millions of people across the continent at risk.

Energoatom noted that diesel generators are intended only for emergency power and cannot provide the station’s needs for an extended period. Their shutdown could lead to a loss of control over the facility’s nuclear safety.

"We call on the international community and our partners to increase pressure on the aggressor country. The plant must be immediately returned to the control of its sole legal operator, Energoatom, to prevent a radiological and nuclear disaster," the company emphasized.

Blackout at ZNPP

On September 23, Energoatom reported that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its tenth blackout since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war.

The company clarified that the last external power line connecting the plant to Ukraine’s energy system had stopped functioning.

As a result, ZNPP switched to diesel generator power.

This situation could lead to a nuclear accident. External power is necessary to cool the nuclear reactors.