Ukraine restores external power supply to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Ukrainian energy workers have restored the Ferosplavna-1 power line, which supplies external power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

The announcement was made by Energoatom, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“On September 7 at 19:02, the power needs of the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant were restored via the 330-kV Ferosplavna-1 overhead power line. The plant is currently consuming 11 MW,” the statement said.

According to Energoatom, the restoration of the external power supply was made possible by the professional work of Ukrainian energy workers and a coordinated local ceasefire, which created the necessary conditions to carry out repairs on the damaged line.

Energoatom stressed that it was Ukrainian specialists who, despite the serious danger posed by the unpredictable actions of the invading forces and ongoing security risks, carried out the necessary work to reconnect the plant to Ukraine’s unified power grid.

“The ZNPP had remained without an external power supply since August 20. Throughout this period, the plant’s critical systems were powered by diesel generators. Operating under such conditions created additional risks to the nuclear and radiation safety of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,” the company said.

At the same time, Energoatom stressed that full guarantees of nuclear and radiation safety at the ZNPP can only be provided after the plant is de-occupied and returned to Ukrainian control and to its sole legitimate operator, Energoatom.

As reported, on August 20, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its external power supply and switched to diesel generators.

Photo: Energoatom