The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has found itself in a critical situation due to the loss of its main power supply line, creating a real threat of complete blackout of the facility. Currently, the only power supply the station receives is through a backup line with a voltage of 330 kV “Ferosplavna-1”, as the main 750 kV line “Dniprovska” has been disconnected since March 24.
This is reported by Finway
Negotiations for a Ceasefire to Repair the Station
The International Atomic Energy Agency is engaged in intensive negotiations with Ukraine and the Russian Federation to establish a temporary local ceasefire. The aim of this step is to ensure the safe conduct of urgent repair work on the power grids, which should reduce risks to nuclear safety. In recent weeks, the station has already experienced complete loss of external power supply three times, which only heightens the tension surrounding the facility.
Threat from Drones and Shelling
Additional danger to the Zaporizhzhia NPP is posed by drone attacks, which have been repeatedly recorded near the station itself and in the city of Enerhodar, where the facility’s personnel reside. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, up to 40 drones were involved in one of the attacks. Notably, on Saturday, a drone with explosives fell near the turbine hall of the first power unit, but there was no explosion, and no damage or injuries were reported. However, the agency’s team at the station was unable to independently verify this incident, as it was reported only two days later, and the drone debris had already been cleared away.
“The presence of drones and explosives at a nuclear power plant is unacceptable, as it sharply increases the already significant risks to nuclear safety,” said Grossi.