Ukraine saves Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant from blackout for the 42nd time amid Russian strikes
Illustrative photo: Repair work continues at the ZNPP (GettyImages)
Ukrainian energy workers are once again restoring power lines that supply the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Repair work is currently underway, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Energy.
The ministry noted that this is already the 42nd time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion that specialists have had to restore power supply to the ZNPP after damage caused by Russian attacks.
"Connecting the Zaporizhzhia NPP to the Ukrainian power grid and ensuring its stable operation by our specialists is a key condition for preventing any incidents or accidents at Europe’s largest nuclear facility," the Ministry of Energy emphasized.
The ministry stressed that the only cause of risks and threats of a radiation incident in Europe remains Russian military aggression, the occupation of the plant, and systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Repair work on the power transmission lines at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant began today after a four-week outage.
Blackout at the ZNPP
On September 23, Energoatom reported the 10th complete blackout at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant since the beginning of the full-scale war. According to the company, Russian troops deliberately do not reconnect the plant to Ukraine’s power system.
The only external power transmission line that maintained the ZNPP’s connection to Ukrainian grids went out of service. As a result, the nuclear plant was forced to switch to emergency power from diesel generators.
Experts warn that such a situation poses a serious threat to nuclear safety, as external power is required to cool the reactors. The IAEA also confirmed that after the loss of external energy sources, the plant remains in a critically dangerous condition.
Whether a nuclear disaster at the ZNPP is possible and whether the IAEA can help — read in the RBC-Ukraine report.
