A ceasefire has been initiated near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), organized with the mediation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The aim of the agreement is to carry out repair work aimed at restoring the power transmission lines that connect the plant to the energy system and reduce the risk of a nuclear accident.
This is reported by Finway
Repair of the “Ferosplavnaya-1” Line
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported that work has already begun on demining and preparing the area near the damaged section of the 330-kilovolt “Ferosplavnaya-1” high-voltage line. This connection was lost six months ago, and its restoration is critically important for the energy security of the plant.
“Today, demining work and other preparatory measures began near the damaged section of the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavnaya-1 line, whose connection to the nuclear plant was severed six months ago,” the statement said.
The restoration of this line will allow the ZNPP to connect to another power grid, in addition to the one that was restored earlier in October. According to the IAEA, repairs will begin on Saturday, and the restoration of the connection will take several days.
Critical Situation with the Plant’s Power Supply
All six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia NPP have been in a shutdown state and have not generated electricity for over three years. Despite this, the plant requires electricity to operate the pumps that cool the reactor cores and spent fuel. Continuous power supply to these systems is necessary to prevent overheating and possible radiation leaks.
In the event of a complete loss of external power supply, the Zaporizhzhia NPP is forced to rely on emergency diesel generators to ensure the operation of safety systems. Conducting repair work and restoring additional power transmission lines should reduce the plant’s dependence on backup power sources and enhance its safety level.