Russian Attack on Kharkiv Causes Neutron Source Facility to Rely on Backup Generators

A recent Russian attack on Kharkiv caused the “Neutron Source” subcritical facility to operate on backup generators.

This was reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on March 19.

“The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine informed the IAEA that during the night of 11-12 March, attacks targeting and destroying an electrical substation close to the subcritical Neutron Source Installation at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology resulted in its disconnection from the electrical grid until 13 March,” the statement read.

According to IAEA, during the power outage, the facility relied on emergency diesel generators for power.

The recent disruption at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology highlights growing concerns about Ukraine's nuclear safety. This follows earlier warnings from the IAEA about drone activity near nuclear plants, as dozens of drones were detected in the surveillance zones of the Chornobyl and Rivne nuclear power plants, as reported by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

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Grossi also warned of the significant impact of renewed attacks on Ukraine's power grid, highlighting the risk to several regions and nuclear operations.

The IAEA reported that power transmission lines linking Ukraine with neighboring countries were severed, leading to a cascading shutdown of the domestic grid. As a result, one nuclear unit disconnected automatically due to voltage fluctuations, and other units at different plants had to reduce their output.

At the same time, a temporary ceasefire has been established near the Russian-controlled Zaporizazhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), allowing for essential repairs to power lines that are critical for nuclear safety.

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