Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Relies on Backup Generators After Losing External Power Supply

The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has lost its external electricity supply due to a power line disconnection. The facility is currently using emergency diesel generators to maintain reactor cooling, with fuel reserves estimated to last for about two weeks.

The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine has lost its external electricity supply and is relying on backup generators for reactor cooling. Management at the facility and the United Nations' nuclear watchdog confirmed the development on Sunday.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the facility lost its off-site electricity supply after the Ferosplavna power line disconnected. The IAEA stated that the cause and location of this latest disconnection are not yet known. The main Dniprovska power line has remained unavailable since late October.

The plant, which is Europe's largest with six reactors, does not produce electricity but requires a continuous power supply via external links to keep its nuclear fuel cool. Following the disconnection, the facility currently has sufficient fuel reserves to operate a limited number of emergency diesel generators for approximately two weeks.

In early September, a local ceasefire brokered by the IAEA had allowed repairs to restore external power to the site, which had previously been without it since August 20. Russia seized the plant during the initial weeks of the war following its invasion in February 2022. Since then, Moscow and Kyiv have regularly traded accusations regarding military actions that compromise nuclear safety.

The plant's Russian-installed management reported that the Ferosplavna line was shut down by automatic protection systems. Management added in a statement posted on the MAX messenger app that radiation levels on the site and within the surveillance zone remain normal. Staff members are reportedly monitoring all operational parameters and taking necessary measures to maintain the safe condition of the power units.

"Critical infrastructure dependencies, particularly in the energy sector, highlight the extreme vulnerabilities that industrial assets face during geopolitical conflicts. For businesses and asset operators globally, this situation underscores the absolute necessity of maintaining robust, long-term contingency plans and reliable backup systems to mitigate operational risks when primary power or supply lines fail." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes