Ukrainian energy workers restored power line to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Ukrainian energy workers restored the power line to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (photo: Getty Images)
Experts from Ukrenergo have restored the backup power line of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The 330 kV overhead line, which provides backup power to facilities on the nuclear power plant site, has been repaired and put back into operation, according to Ukrenergo.
It is reported that the power line was heavily damaged during an air raid on February 20. Since then, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been receiving the necessary electricity for safe operation only through one 750 kV main line.
The damage occurred in an area where hostilities are ongoing. Our repair teams were allowed there only during short periods of relative calm, so they had to work both day and night.
"If it weren't for the constant shelling by the Russians, we would have coped faster. We waited a long time for the enemy to stop shelling with artillery. And after receiving permission from the military to leave, we also had to clear the way for the equipment through the broken ground before starting repairs," the power engineers note.
Situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, was occupied by Russian invaders at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The invaders deployed military equipment on the territory of the plant. During the entire period of occupation, the plant was disconnected from the power systems of Ukraine several times.
Recently, experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the plant, conducting rotations from time to time. It is worth noting that the last time, the Russians did not allow the IAEA to enter the reactor halls at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
As reported by Energoatom, since the beginning of the occupation, there have been at least 8 complete blackouts at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Such incidents can threaten nuclear and radiation safety not only for Ukraine but also for other countries.
On February 7, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for the fourth time. There, he checked the situation with the personnel and more.
On February 21, it was also reported that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost communication with its last backup external power line.
