rki.news
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine is currently operating on its sole remaining power line after losing its only backup line more than a week ago, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that the situation highlights the plant’s “continued vulnerability and persistent risks to nuclear safety” amid the ongoing conflict. The 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 backup power line disconnected on Feb. 10 due to military activity near the adjacent 330 kV switchyard operated by the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant.
The facility now relies entirely on the 750 kV Dniprovska off-site power line to maintain essential nuclear safety functions. IAEA personnel at the plant continue to seek detailed information on the damage and request access to the switchyard to assess potential impacts, but security restrictions have prevented direct inspections for several years.
Grossi has contacted both Russia and Ukraine, proposing a temporary ceasefire to allow assessments and repairs. The IAEA has previously brokered four temporary ceasefires, enabling five separate repairs to power lines serving the plant.
As Europe’s largest nuclear facility and one of the world’s ten largest, the ZNPP remains a major concern for potential nuclear hazards, with Moscow and Kyiv accusing each other of attacks near the site. IAEA personnel have been present at the plant since Sept. 1, 2022, which has been under Russian control since March 2022.
The agency continues to call for urgent access and coordinated measures to ensure nuclear safety amid the ongoing conflict.