Critical situation at ZNPP: the plant depends on a single power line
16 December 23:59
The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under the control of Russian troops, is currently receiving electricity only through one of two external power lines. This was stated by the Russian-controlled management of the plant, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Reuters.
According to the report, the second line was disconnected due to the fighting.
At the same time, the Russian administration of the nuclear power plant assures that the radiation background at the facility remains within normal limits, and repair work will begin “as soon as possible.”
What is known about the situation at ZNPP
Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, when Russian troops seized a large part of southeastern Ukraine.
Currently, the plant is not generating electricity, but is completely dependent on external power supply, which is necessary to cool the nuclear fuel and maintain the safe condition of the reactors. Loss of electricity can lead to critical consequences, including the risk of an accident.
Power outages for ZNPP have become a regular occurrence
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian power engineers have restored the lines supplying the plant 42 times.
Each such incident, according to international experts, increases safety risks, as a stable power supply is key to preventing accidents at nuclear facilities.
The IAEA maintains an observation mission at the plant, but access for experts remains limited under the occupation. Grossi has repeatedly called for the creation of a security zone around ZNPP, but no agreed solution has been reached.
With the restoration of the second line, the situation has temporarily stabilized, but the risks of repeated emergency shutdowns remain high.
International concern
The situation around Zaporizhzhia NPP remains the subject of constant attention of international organizations. The IAEA has repeatedly emphasized that any disruption of stable electricity supply poses a threat to nuclear safety not only for Ukraine but also for the whole of Europe.
Ukraine, for its part, insists on the complete demilitarization of the plant and its return to Kyiv’s control, while Russia continues to claim that the facility is “safely operated.”
