Ukraine’s state-run operator of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant said on Thursday that the plant, the largest in Europe and controlled by Russian forces, was completely cut off from Ukraine’s power grid after lines connecting it to the grid were cut. .
The Atomic Energy Group in Telegram stated that two active reactors of the power plant have been disconnected from the grid, adding: As a result of the actions of the Russian forces, the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant was completely disconnected from the grid. power grid, for the first time in its history.”
According to AFP, the Ukrainian operating company noted that “fires in the vicinity of the Zaporizhia thermal power plant near the nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine twice cut the last communication line that connects the plant to the power grid.”
The Ukrainian company noted that “3 other communication lines were already damaged during Russian terrorist attacks”.
And on Thursday evening, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it had “notified” Ukraine of a disconnection between the nuclear power plant, which is surrounded by frequent bombardments, and the thermal station.
According to AFP, the agency said that “the station is currently operating” because it is “still connected through a “neighboring thermal station that can provide electricity in case of emergency”.
“The reactors’ emergency protection systems are also active and all safety systems are still working,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Without referring to the reasons for the power outage, he clarified: “After reconnecting the power cord, the units were also disconnected from the network.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Thursday evening that the agency’s “reaction should be much faster than it is.”
Source: Lebanon Debate
