The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine, Europe's largest atomic energy facility, experienced a temporary loss of all off-site power overnight, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Saturday. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi cited the incident, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with the plant situated in an active conflict zone.
Power Interruption at Europe's Largest Nuclear Plant
Currently under Russian control since being overrun in March 2022, the ZNPP is not actively generating electricity. However, it critically relies on external power supplies to operate its cooling systems, which are essential for preventing a nuclear meltdown. Any disruption to this power poses a severe safety concern.
Reconnection and Radiation Levels
According to the IAEA, the plant's connection to a crucial 330-kilovolt (kV) power line was re-established after an approximately half-hour outage. Further updates from the Russian-installed management at the plant later on Saturday indicated that a 750 kV line, which had also been disconnected, was back in operation, ensuring a stable power supply. Crucially, authorities reported that radiation levels around the facility remained normal throughout the incident.
Context of Widespread Grid Impact
The temporary power loss at Zaporizhzhia occurred amidst widespread military activities in Ukraine overnight, which reportedly impacted the national electricity grid. This led to operational nuclear power plants across the country reducing their output as a precautionary measure, as further noted by the IAEA. The repeated interruptions to the ZNPP's external power underscore the fragility of the energy infrastructure in war-torn regions and the constant threat to nuclear safety.