The eighth localised ceasefire facilitated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is enabling the repair of a backup transformer that has been damaged by military activity near the Zaporizhia Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP). The repair will strengthen the connection between the Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) and the Ferosplavnaya-1 330 kV off-site power line, the ZNPP’s sole remaining external power line.
“Repair work during the Agency-brokered ceasefire will improve the reliability of the off-site power connection at the ZNPP,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. “I am grateful that both sides have worked constructively with the IAEA, showing that persistent diplomatic efforts can yield concrete results that benefit both sides in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances.”
Separately, efforts to re-instate the ZNPP’s other external power line – the Dneprovskaya 750 kV line – are ongoing. Though repairs were completed in June under a previous IAEA-brokered ceasefire, the line remains unavailable because of subsequent damage to the line, as well as previous damage to the associated electrical substation.
“Despite recent positive steps to improve the reliability of the off-site power connection at the ZNPP, there remains only one line available, and we cannot be complacent,” Grossi said. “The restoration of the Dneprovskaya 750 kV power line would significantly enhance nuclear safety and security and reduce dependence on limited diesel fuel stocks. I call on both sides to continue working with the IAEA to facilitate the reinstatement of the line.”
Diesel fuel supplies at the ZNPP have been running low in recent months, as no diesel deliveries have occurred since March. “The availability of diesel fuel at the ZNPP continues to be an issue of critical importance. The depleted reserves increase the risk that nuclear safety is challenged in the event of another loss of off-site power. It is essential that steps are taken to increase the volume of diesel fuel available on-site prior to winter, when the situation may become acute,” the Director General added.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev confirmed that a ceasefire was in place. “Our specialists are now going to start repairing the technological equipment, which will help strengthen the power supply to the nuclear power plant and reduce the risk of another loss of continuous power supply to the ZNPP,” he said. The decision was also coordinated with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
“I really hope that the quiet regime will be observed and that we will complete all the restoration work, thereby increasing the energy security of the nuclear power plant,” Likhachev emphasised.
“The systems are in serious condition,” he added, referring to constant military strikes. “Repairs in such a situation are simply impossible; we have no right to send our employees [to work on repairs] under fire. ZNPP said plant personnel “are carrying out their tasks, despite constant attacks on the road connecting the nuclear power plant with Energodar. The city also continues to live and operate under conditions of constant fire.”
