KYIV: Ukraine reported on Saturday that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is at risk of an incident as two power lines linking it to the national electricity grid were cut overnight. The plant, a focal point of conflict since its capture by Russian forces last year, has seen safety concerns raised by both sides.
In response to the blackout, Ukraine’s nuclear energy operator stated that the nuclear plant had to rely on 20 diesel generators for its power needs.
The situation was perilously close to a “nuclear and radiation accident” before Kyiv restored off-site power, averting a crisis.
Although AFP could not immediately corroborate Ukraine’s account, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the temporary loss of off-site power, marking the eighth such blackout since the conflict’s onset.
IAEA Promises Details on Zaporizhzhia Plant Power Safety
The IAEA, tasked with monitoring safety at the Zaporizhzhia plant, announced it would provide additional details later.
The plant, equipped with six reactors, has endured frequent shelling and drone attacks during the 21-month conflict, ceasing electricity supply to Ukraine’s grid in September 2022.
