IAEA reports longest communication outage at Zaporizhzhia NPP since start of war
Kyiv • UNN
On May 28, ZNPP was without communication for 12 hours due to hostilities. Grossi reported drone strikes and a halt in fuel supplies for the plant's systems.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its longest communication failure since the start of the full-scale war this week. This was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in a new press release from the agency, UNN reports.
Details
According to the IAEA, on May 28, the ZNPP remained without landline telephone and internet connection for approximately 12 hours. The agency noted that the incident coincided with reports of intensified hostilities and attacks on occupied Enerhodar, where most of the plant's personnel reside.
IAEA reports new risks at ZNPP due to drones and power supply issues22.05.26, 16:09 • 2398 views
For many hours, we were unable to contact our team of experts at the facility, and the plant could not communicate with the outside world in the usual way. This was certainly a very disturbing event from the perspective of nuclear safety and security
The IAEA also reported a deterioration of the security situation around the ZNPP. According to the plant, drone strikes have been recorded in Enerhodar in recent days, and one of the ZNPP service vehicles was destroyed by a drone. Additionally, the supply of diesel fuel for the plant's auxiliary systems was temporarily suspended due to security risks.
Grossi emphasized that the external power supply situation at the ZNPP remains "extremely fragile." Currently, the plant depends on only one power line following the damage to the main 750 kV line in March. The IAEA continues negotiations with Ukraine and the Russian Federation regarding a temporary ceasefire to conduct repair work.