Key Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant facility repaired, yet restart still impossible
Photo: Repairs to a key facility at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have been completed, but operations cannot be resumed (Getty Images)
Repairs to a key power transmission line and other energy infrastructure facilities have been completed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. However, it is not yet possible to resume operations due to damage to a substation, according to Reuters.
The IAEA reports that the repair work carried out as part of the temporary local ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia involved two separate facilities: the 750-kV Dniprovska power transmission line and the distribution substation of the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, which helps supply the Zaporizhzhia NPP with electricity via the 330-kV Ferosplavna-1 backup line.
However, the Dniprovska line has not yet been put into operation due to significant damage to the substation connecting it.
"The line has been repaired, but it still needs to be brought back into operation," explains IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Repair work on the substation is ongoing, but it is not expected to be completed in the near future.
Zaporizhzhia NPP blackouts
On June 3, the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP lost its external power supply for the 17th time after a drone strike on a substation on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River.
Emergency diesel generators took over the load, but the nuclear safety situation was once again threatened.
Then, on the morning of June 4, the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant came under heavy Russian shelling. This posed a serious threat to the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Earlier, IAEA inspectors visited the Zaporizhzhia NPP following statements by the Russian occupying so-called authorities about damage at the plant and confirmed that radiation levels were normal. During the inspection, the mission was forced to interrupt its tour and take cover due to the sounds of drones and gunfire near the facility.
Meanwhile, on the morning of June 5, a local ceasefire went into effect along the front line near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to allow for repairs to power lines and prevent the risk of a nuclear accident.
Then, on June 10, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 19th blackout. Once again, the plant was operating on generators.
