Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant restores external electricity connection

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine has restored its external electricity connection after nearly three weeks of interruption. The restoration follows a local truce negotiated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to facilitate essential repairs.

Ukrainian technicians completed three days of work to repair the final available external connection, which had been out of service since August 20 due to nearby military activity. Prior to this, the facility relied on emergency diesel generators to maintain critical safety functions, including the cooling of the six reactors and spent fuel pools. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi described the reconnection as ‘a crucial step’ to prevent a potential nuclear accident.

While the six reactors at the plant are currently shut down, they require a constant power supply to ensure the integrity of safety systems. Rosatom has also confirmed the restoration of the power supply to the facility.