Power Back On at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant After Repairs

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, has its external power supply back online. This restoration followed repairs to a damaged line, which Russian operators attributed to Ukrainian military actions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitored the repairs.

Current Status

• Safe operations: The plant is currently safe with normal radiation levels.
• Dual power lines: One line was repaired, while the other remained functional throughout.
• Previous incidents: Earlier this year, the plant relied on backup generators for a month due to damage to another line. The IAEA helped arrange a local ceasefire to facilitate repairs.

Background

• Largest in Europe: The Zaporizhzhia plant is the biggest nuclear power station in Europe.
• Control dispute: Russia seized the plant early in the war, but both sides blame each other for endangering it.
• Critical need for power: Even when not generating electricity, the plant requires power to cool nuclear fuel and prevent disasters.

Future Uncertainty

The plant's future is a key issue in war-end negotiations. While most countries recognize it as Ukrainian territory, Russia claims ownership. A Russian state-owned company now operates the plant. Recently, Ukraine's president mentioned that the U.S. proposed a joint operation with an American leader.