New Damage to Ferosplavna Line at Zaporizhzhia NPP: IAEA Reports Worsening Situation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports the detection of additional damages to the Ferosplavna-1 power transmission line, which connects to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
This occurred after the station had been reconnected to Ukraine’s power grid following a prolonged period of disconnection and ongoing recovery efforts.
The Ferosplavna-1 line, located approximately 1.8 kilometers from the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant substation, sustained further damage during repair works aimed at restoring external power supply.
This situation significantly endangers the operation of the ZNPP, which, despite its reactors being offline for over three years, still requires reliable electricity to operate critical safety systems such as cooling pumps.
International agencies emphasize that negotiations are underway to fully restore the line, as its damage complicates the station’s operation amid ongoing conflict that has persisted for over a year.
Additionally, it is noted that in September, the ZNPP lost connection to the grid for the first time in five months and operated solely on diesel generators, heightening nuclear safety risks.
Russia is reportedly attempting to leverage this blackout to connect the plant to its energy network, raising international concern.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues negotiations to eliminate blockages and fully restore the Ferosplavna-1 line, which remains vital for the safety and stable operation of Zaporizhzhia NPP.