The IAEA issued a new statement yesterday which stresses the importance of the agency having an on-the-ground presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP). The statement reported that the plant lost its only remaining 750 kV connection to the grid yesterday but continued to supply electricity through a reserve line. “In addition, plant management informed the IAEA team that one of the ZNPP’s two operating units was disconnected in the afternoon today due to grid restrictions,” it said. “One reactor is still operating and producing electricity both for cooling and other essential safety functions at the site and for households, factories and others through the grid,” it added.
“Our team on the ground received direct, fast and reliable information about the latest significant development affecting the plant’s external power situation, as well as the operational status of the reactors. We already have a better understanding of the functionality of the reserve power line in connecting the facility to the grid. This is crucial information in assessing the overall situation there,” Director General Rafael Grossi said.
“The great value of finally having the IAEA permanently present at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is already abundantly clear. It is a game changer,” he said, adding that the IAEA remained in close contact with its Ukrainian counterparts and continued to receive valuable updates about the situation from them.
The disconnection of the last 750 kV line followed renewed shelling of the plant, Ukrainian authorities told the IAEA team.
