The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been relying on a single power transmission line for more than a week to supply the electricity

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been relying on a single power transmission line for more than a week to supply the electricity needed to perform essential nuclear safety functions.

The plant’s only backup 330 kV power line was disconnected on May 7, leaving it fully dependent on the sole operational 750 kV line.

The IAEA reported that the damage occurred in Ukrainian-controlled territory some distance from the plant, and that the Ukrainian power system operator is currently unable to carry out repairs due to active military activity in the area.

All six reactors at Zaporizhzhia have been shut down since mid-2022, but they still require external power for fuel cooling and to minimize the risk of an accident. Before the full-scale invasion, the plant had access to ten power lines, which ensured a reliable external power supply.

“Throughout the war, external power supply has been the main Achilles’ heel of nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved in this regard,” said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

EMPR