Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Relies on Diesel Generators for 11 Consecutive Days

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 31, Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been without external power for 11 consecutive days since losing its last external power line on August 20, with all on-site electricity supplied by backup diesel generators. The International Atomic Energy Agency previously confirmed that the plant was disconnected from its then only available 330 kV "Ferosplavna-1" external transmission line on August 20, and emergency diesel generators have since been continuously powering nuclear safety-related equipment.

Currently, the diesel generators primarily meet the plant's own electricity needs, including safety systems such as cooling pumps for the six reactors and spent fuel pools. On August 29, the IAEA stated that its on-site team is continuously monitoring diesel fuel inventory and generator operation, and has demanded assurances regarding fuel supply channels and conditions for restoring external power. Likhachev stated that Rosatom's assessment of how long the plant can operate autonomously differs from that of the IAEA.

Likhachev stated that diesel fuel supply is a current priority, as roads to the plant remain under shelling, posing safety risks to fuel transportation; Rosatom plans to continue organizing diesel deliveries and hopes IAEA personnel will participate in related transport security. This statement reflects the Russian side's account.

Rosatom is also coordinating with relevant Russian authorities to establish a temporary ceasefire mechanism for repairing the damaged "Ferosplavna-1" transmission line. Likhachev expressed hope that the mechanism could be established this week, allowing repair crews to access the damaged line area and restore external power to the plant.