Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reconnected to grid after 3-day power loss

Power restored after local ceasefire

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was reconnected to the external electricity grid on Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced. Power had been lost on Wednesday evening after an attack struck an electrical substation. Repairs were carried out on a backup supply line during a local ceasefire, allowing the line to be re-established.

With a duration of almost three days, this power outage was one of the longest the site has experienced, which highlights the extreme fragility of the electrical network.

Diesel generators kept reactors cool

During the external power cut, the plant had to rely on emergency diesel generators to maintain the cooling of its reactors. The IAEA confirmed that no release of radioactivity was detected and radiation levels remained normal. The plant is Europe's largest nuclear facility and its six reactors are in a shutdown state, but constant electricity is required to run cooling and safety systems.

19th loss of external power since invasion

This incident marks the 19th time the plant has lost all external electricity supply since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe by conducting attacks near the site. The plant's main power line has been disconnected since March 24 and still requires repair, the IAEA added.

Fragile grid near the frontline

Zaporizhzhia remains under Russian military control and lies close to the frontline in southern Ukraine. The repeated outages underscore the vulnerability of essential infrastructure in the conflict zone, even as international monitors stress that safety systems have so far prevented a radioactive incident.