The Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) has been re-connected to the electrical grid following successful power line repairs carried out during a localised ceasefire brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The restoration of off-site power after an outage lasting almost three weeks during which ZNPP was faced with diminishing diesel fuel reserves to operate the emergency diesel generators required after its sole remaining power line – Ferosplavnaya-1 – was disconnected due to military activity north of the Dnepro River.
During the 7th localised ceasefire negotiated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during the conflict, Ukrainian technicians earlier completed three days of repairs, paving the way for the powerline to be re-connected. Grossi thanked both the Russian Federation and Ukraine agreeing to the ceasefire.
ZNPP confirmed on its Telegram channel that the power supply was restored and the plant’s systems were switched to the standard operating mode. The reserve diesel generators were automatically shut down and placed in standby mode. “All safety systems at ZNPP operated as intended. No violations of the limits and conditions for safe operation were recorded. The radiation situation at the plant and in the area surrounding it remains stable and corresponds to natural background levels,” ZNPP said.
ZNPP previously received electricity for its own needs from the right bank of the Dnieper River, controlled by Ukraine, through two lines: the main 750 kV Dneprovskaya and the reserve 330 kV Ferrosplavnaya‑1. The Dneprovskaya line was repaired on 23 July after being disconnected at the end of March as a result of damage to power transmission poles. It has yet to be reconnected to the plant.
ZNPP said restoration of the Ferrosplavnaya‑1 line is an important step towards improving the reliability of the power supply and the safety of the plant itself. However, “To improve the reliability of the power supply and the level of nuclear and radiation safety, it is necessary to restore and put into operation the second line – the 750 kV Dneprovskaya line, and also to ensure the systematic delivery of fuel for the backup diesel generators.” ZNPP Communications Director Evgenia Yashina told Interfax that delivering diesel fuel for the diesel generators is problematic due to continued shelling of the roads.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev also confirmed that the plant was now operating normally. “The external power supply to the ZNPP from the Ferroplavnaya‑1 line has been restored. The plant has switched to external power and is operating as normal,” he said.
