Russia, Ukraine, UN in Talks to Restore Power at Zaporizhzhia
(MENAFN) The United Nations nuclear watchdog, alongside Russia and Ukraine, are engaged in urgent discussions to restore off-site power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been reliant on backup electricity for the past 10 days, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Friday.
"Both sides say they stand ready to conduct the necessary repairs on their respective sides of the frontline. But for this to happen, the security situation on the ground must improve so that the technicians can carry out their vital work without endangering their lives," stated Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA.
On September 23, damage sustained along the frontline led to the disconnection of the plant’s only remaining 750 kV power line, the agency said in a statement. This outage marks the longest loss of off-site power the ZNPP has experienced amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, surpassing nine previous similar events.
The IAEA warned that a total blackout at the Zaporizhzhia plant could trigger a fuel meltdown and potentially release radiation into the environment.
Although the plant’s emergency diesel generators remain operational and fuel reserves are sufficient, Grossi emphasized the gravity of the situation: "This is an unprecedented situation that must be resolved without further delay."
"I am calling on both sides to do what is necessary to prevent a further deterioration. It is a question of political will, not whether it is technically possible, which it is," Grossi added.
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