External power supply to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has been restored via one of its high-voltage lines. This was stated by Alexey Likhachev, who heads the state corporation Rosatom.
He expressed gratitude to all agencies that helped establish a temporary ceasefire regime and carry out repair work. First of all, these are the Ministry of Defense, the Russian National Guard, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Likhachev also noted the mediating role of the IAEA. His words are reported by the press service of the state corporation.
According to the head of Rosatom, the plant is again operating normally. Earlier, on August 20, due to damage to the 330 kV power line Ferrosplavnaya-1, the plant was switched to backup power.
External power supply is critical for ensuring key nuclear safety and security functions. The presence of two high-voltage sources significantly increases the stability of the system. However, the plant has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to operate reliably and safely when one of them is disconnected: personnel constantly keep diesel generators ready, for which there was a sufficient fuel reserve.
At the same time, another 750 kV power line, Dneprovskaya, was disconnected back on March 24. Despite the fact that Ukrainian militants violated the ceasefire regime, by the end of June Rosatom reported the completion of work on this line. However, its operation has not been resumed due to ongoing risks and damage at other nodes.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine regularly shell facilities located on the territory of the plant, as well as its satellite city Energodar. The ZNPP emphasized that such attacks pose a direct threat and indicate disregard for the principles of nuclear safety.
Source: RIA Novosti