Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was reconnected to the grid following repairs carried out under an IAEA-brokered localised ceasefire after the facility lost all off-site power for nearly three days, the International Atomic Energy Agency has said.
The outage marked the 19th time the plant has lost off-site power since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, after an attack on an electrical substation across the Dnipro River disconnected the Ferosplavna backup power line late on Wednesday.
Lasting almost three days, it was one of the site's longest power-loss events, forcing the facility to rely on emergency diesel generators to supply the electricity needed to cool its six shutdown reactors.
Meanwhile, Russia on Saturday accused Ukraine of attacks on a transport workshop of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), causing damage.
The Russian-installed management at the ZNPP said the strikes damaged three vehicles, fuel pumps and the glass of the workshop building.
“At present, the threat of further attacks on the plant's infrastructure remains high,” the administration said.
Despite the latest strike, the power plant's operations are under the control of its personnel, the statement added.
“The plant's safe operation is ensured, and all necessary systems are functioning normally. Radiation levels within the plant and its surrounding area remain within normal limits,” it said.
Ukraine has yet to comment on Russia’s claims, and independent verification remains difficult due to the ongoing war.
From September 1, 2022, personnel of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA have been present at the plant under Russian control since March 2022.
Zaporizhzhia lies close to the front line in southern Ukraine and was captured by Russian troops in the early days of the war.
Moscow and Kiev have repeatedly accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe with attacks near the plant.
