This is reported by Kyiv24
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is under the control of Russian occupiers, has been dependent on only one external power line for seven weeks. This power supply is critically necessary for maintaining the cooling systems of six nuclear reactors and spent nuclear fuel.
International Concerns About the Plant’s Safety
According to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the situation regarding external power supply remains extremely unstable since the loss of the backup line. Experts emphasize that the lack of alternative power sources makes the facility vulnerable to potential outages and emergency scenarios.
“The extremely unstable situation with external power supply, as well as issues related to the availability of cooling water following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam two years ago, highlight the fact that nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains very uncertain. There are many important issues that need to be addressed before the plant can be restarted,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Occupation and Ongoing Threat
IAEA experts working at the Zaporizhzhia NPP report constant explosions near the plant, indicating its location is effectively on the front line. This situation creates additional risks for the stable operation of the facility and the safety of personnel.
On May 7, the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy reported that after another shelling by Russian forces, the Zaporizhzhia NPP lost one of its two external power lines, putting the plant at risk of another blackout.
It is worth noting that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest in Europe. The city of Enerhodar and the plant itself were occupied by Russian troops in early March 2022. Since then, the facility has been under constant threat due to hostilities and instability in power supply.