Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Forced to Rely on Single Power Line Due to Ongoing Military Activity

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest nuclear power plant that’s been under Russian occupation since March 2022, is currently receiving electricity through only one of its two external power lines, according to Reuters, citing Russian management of the facility.

The second line was disconnected due to ongoing military activity in the area. Despite the disruption, radiation levels remain normal, and repairs are set to begin shortly.

Since Russia’s takeover of the plant in March 2022, ZNPP has been relying on external power to maintain cooling systems for its nuclear material, crucial to preventing a meltdown, Reuters reported.

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War in Ukraine

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The plant has faced several challenges, including power outages earlier this month, and previously went without external power for 30 days in September and October, depending on backup diesel generators until a damaged line was reconnected during a temporary ceasefire facilitated by the UN nuclear agency.

Previously, Ukraine formally accused Russia of “deliberately endangering nuclear safety in Europe” following precision strikes against power substations that supply two of the nation’s major nuclear facilities.

On November 8, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, called for an urgent meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors after the attacks impacted substations connected to both the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants.

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