The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Saturday that Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) experienced its 20th loss of off-site power since the start of the conflict with Russia. The incident was triggered by a problem with the site's internal power lines, which impacted its only remaining 330 kV connection, known as Ferosplavna-1.
Emergency Diesel Generators Activated
According to the IAEA, emergency diesel generators automatically started operating to maintain reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety functions. The agency's team at the ZNPP reported the activation in a post on X. The IAEA emphasized that this recurring power loss underscores the precarious nuclear safety situation at the site.
Continued Risks to Nuclear Safety
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest nuclear power station, has been under Russian control since early in the war. The repeated loss of off-site power raises concerns about the reliability of backup systems and the potential for a nuclear accident. The IAEA has consistently called for a safety zone around the plant to prevent such incidents.
