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Europe’s Largest Nuclear Plant Still in Blackout After 48 Hours, IAEA Confirms
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
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Ukrainian Energoatom stated the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been running on emergency diesel generators for a second day after losing all external power on September 23, warning the situation poses risks beyond Ukraine.
The operator added that the blackout—its tenth since Russia seized the site in 2022—was caused by actions of occupying forces and that the line remains intact on Ukraine-controlled territory, but the station “is deliberately not being reconnected” by Russian forces.
Energoatom reiterated that this creates “a critical situation that threatens the safety not only of Ukraine but also of European countries.”
(IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called the power loss “deeply concerning,” noting that “Europe’s largest nuclear power plant has once again been cut off from all external power. The site, which is located on the front line, continues to be endangered. Each loss of power poses a real risk to nuclear safety and increases the likelihood of a nuclear accident.”, he said.
IAEA experts at the plant confirmed the last 750-kV line was disconnected at 16:56 on September 23 and observed emergency generators starting.
Industry outlets citing IAEA information said backup diesel stocks on site are sufficient for about 20 days, underscoring the plant’s continued reliance on contingency power rather than stable off-site supply.
“This incident again highlights the extremely fragile nuclear safety and security situation at the plant,” said Grossi.
Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo previously stated that repairs would begin as soon as the security situation allows, while Energoatom urged international partners to increase pressure for the plant’s return to its “only legitimate operator.”
Earlier, it was reported that a Russian strike cut a key transmission line, causing a complete blackout at the plant and forcing reliance on backup power for safety systems.
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