Backup power line restored at Zaporizhzhya NPP: what is known
5 March 22:50
In the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, the backup power line for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant has been restored. The repairs took 23 days, after which the plant regained its second external power source. This was reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Which line was restored
This is the Ferrosplavna-1 backup power line with a voltage of 330 kV.
After the completion of the repair work:
- the plant once again has two available external power lines;
- this is critically important for safety systems;
- stable cooling of the reactors is ensured.
The repairs were made possible by the ceasefire
According to the IAEA, the work was carried out after a local ceasefire was introduced around the station on February 27.
Agreements on a temporary truce were reached with the mediation of IAEA international experts.
At the same time, the following work was carried out:
- work to clear the area of mines;
- ensuring safe access for repair crews to the energy infrastructure.
What does the restoration of the line mean for the safety of the station?
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said that the restoration of the backup line significantly improves the nuclear safety of the facility.
According to him, the additional power source:
- reduces the risk of accidents;
- guarantees the operation of reactor cooling systems;
- increases the stability of the station’s power supply.
Why external power is critically important
Even when the power units are not operating, a nuclear power plant requires a constant power supply for:
- cooling nuclear fuel
- operating safety systems
- operating control equipment.
If external power lines are lost, the plant is forced to switch to backup diesel generators, which is considered a more risky mode of operation.
That is why international experts constantly emphasize the need for a stable power supply to the Zaporizhzhya NPP, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
The ZNPP is one of the key points in negotiations and disputes about the future of the plant
The issue of control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP remains one of the central topics in talks about possible de-escalation. Some international discussions touch upon scenariosof joint supervision/management and the future operating mode of the plant, but Moscow insists on its own control, while Ukraine emphasizes the need for security conditions under which the facility can operate.
At the same time, Ukraine states that critical systems and expertise are needed for the safe restart of the plant, without which the launch could create additional risks.
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Why this is critically important
The Zaporizhzhya NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and a stable external power supply is a key condition for:
- cooling the reactors,
- maintaining safety systems,
- preventing emergency scenarios.
Any power outages at such facilities are considered by the international community to be a global risk factor, so involving the IAEA and agreeing on even a temporary truce is of fundamental importance.
Special status of the ZNPP
The Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe with six reactors. Russian troops captured it in March 2022. The plant is not producing electricity. The six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia NPP have been in cold shutdown since 2022, relying on external power lines and emergency systems to prevent a complete power outage.
The IAEA maintains a permanent presence at the site to monitor safety amid ongoing shelling.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would need “special status” and a cooperation agreement between Russia and Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
