The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine lost all external power supply on Tuesday, marking the tenth time during the conflict, raising concerns over nuclear safety.
Power Outage at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost all external power supply on Tuesday at 16:56, according to Ukraine’s state-owned enterprise Energoatom.
The plant had to switch to diesel generators to provide essential power to the facility.
Causes and Concerns
The loss of external power supply is attributed to the ongoing conflict, with the plant being occupied by Russian forces since March 4, 2022.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concerns over the safety implications, emphasizing the need for the plant to be returned to its rightful operator, Energoatom.
International Response
The IAEA called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from the plant, with 62 countries voting in favor of a resolution condemning the occupation.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Switlana Grynchuk stated that “nuclear terrorism is unacceptable” and urged for the plant’s return to Ukrainian control.