Shutdown occurs after bombing in conflict between Russia and Ukraine; Secondary equipment maintains power in the facility
HANDOUT / MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES / AFP
THE Zaporizhia nuclear power plantat Ukraineoccupied by Russia Since March of this year, this Saturday, the 3rd, it again lost its main electrical connection to the outside world and, as announced by the , had to shut down one of the reactors still in operation International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The United Nations panel, which has had inspectors at the plant since Thursday, has been informed of the main power line disruption, although the plant continues to provide power through a backup. This connection can also supply the system with energy if required. The number 5 reactor, which started operating after being paralyzed by a bombing raid on the plant this Saturday, was also shut down, the IAEA said in a statement. The agency also notes that inspectors on the ground receive information directly from Ukrainian officials who still manage the facility.
Another reactor remains operational, providing electricity for cooling and other safety mechanisms, as well as for household and business consumption. IAEA DirectorGeneral Rafael Grossi, who visited the facility two days ago, said in a statement that the team on the ground was receiving “direct, quick and reliable” information about what was happening at the facility. “This is important information to assess the general situation of the plant,” said the Argentine in the official statement. Grossi will next week issue a report on the state of the nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, which has become the main concern of the international community given the war in Ukraine.
*With information from EFE