Ukraine says blackout at Russian-controlled nuclear plant risked accident

KYIV – Ukraine on Dec 2 said two power lines connecting its electricity grid to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were cut overnight, putting the plant at risk of an “accident”.

Zaporizhzhia – Europe’s largest atomic power plant – has been at the centre of fighting since it was captured by invading Russian forces in 2022, and both sides have accused each other of

compromising its safety.

“Due to the complete blackout, the nuclear power plant switched to powering its own needs from 20 diesel generators,” Ukraine’s nuclear energy operator said in a statement.

It said the plant was on “the verge of a nuclear and radiation accident” before off-site power was restored by Kyiv.

“The situation was actually saved by the prompt actions of Ukrainian specialists who restored power supply to the plant from the Ukrainian power grid,” it said.

AFP was not able to immediately verify Ukraine’s version of events.

The incident marks the eighth time the plant has been cut off from external power since the conflict began in 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned.

“The most recent external power outage is yet another reminder about the precarious nuclear safety and security situation at the plant, which can be affected by events far away from the site itself,” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said.

“The IAEA continues to do everything it can to help prevent a nuclear accident. I also call on all parties not to take any action that could further endanger the plant,” he added.

IAEA officials have been monitoring safety at the plant, which requires constant maintenance to prevent overheating.

The six-reactor plant at Zaporizhzhia has been rocked by repeated shelling and drone attacks throughout the 21-month conflict, and stopped supplying electricity to Ukraine’s grid in September 2022. AFP