The IAEA is observing alarming developments at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. In addition to communication disruptions, the facility is experiencing power supply limitations and risks to its cooling systems.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant / © Associated Press
For the first time since the full-scale invasion began, the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has endured a critical 12-hour communication outage. Such interruptions pose additional risks to nuclear safety and complicate the monitoring of the situation at the site.
This was announced by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Communication Loss at ZNPP
According to the IAEA, citing plant data, on May 27, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its landline telephone connection and internet access for nearly 12 hours. The reasons for the malfunction could not be promptly determined, but the incident coincided with reports of attacks near Enerhodar, where a significant portion of the plant’s staff resides.
The IAEA emphasized that such disruptions elevate the risks to nuclear safety and impede the monitoring of the situation at the facility.
“For many hours, we were unable to contact our team of experts at the site, and the plant could not communicate with the outside world in the usual way. This was undoubtedly a very concerning event from a nuclear safety and security perspective,” Grossi stated.
The agency also reported that power supply interruptions have repeatedly occurred in the vicinity of the plant recently due to combat operations.
Furthermore, the ZNPP reported damage to one of its service vehicles as a result of a drone attack. According to the plant, drone strikes were also directed at civilian infrastructure in Enerhodar, including a fire station.
Diesel Fuel Issues for ZNPP
Amidst the escalating situation, the supply of diesel fuel for equipment maintenance was temporarily halted. However, the plant assured that existing reserves are sufficient for more than 10 days of operation for the emergency generators.
Currently, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant receives external power through only one transmission line, after the main line was disconnected back in March. Prior to the full-scale invasion, the facility was connected to as many as 10 transmission lines.
Grossi stressed that an uninterrupted supply of diesel fuel is critical for the functioning of the reactor cooling systems and backup power supply.
“Any disruptions in the diesel fuel supply reduce the plant’s resilience at a time when it already remains extremely vulnerable regarding external power supply,” the IAEA Director noted.
The agency continues its consultations with Ukraine and Russia regarding a possible temporary ceasefire in the vicinity of the plant to repair the 750 kV power line. However, the complex situation near the front line significantly complicates both the repair work and the negotiation process itself.
Separately, the agency reported that approximately 20 drones have been detected in the observation zone of the Chernobyl site over the past week.
As a reminder, following a drone attack on May 3 on the radiation control laboratory of the ZNPP, IAEA experts discovered damage to some meteorological equipment, which ceased functioning. Grossi called for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities, as such incidents pose risks to nuclear safety.
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