Restoring Power to Zaporizhzhia: A Step Towards Nuclear Safety

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has initiated efforts to reconnect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the external electricity grid. The plant in southeastern Ukraine, which fell under Russian control early in the 2022 invasion, lost its grid link over two weeks ago amid mutual accusations from Ukraine and Russia.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that both nations are collaborating with the agency to restore power for the sake of nuclear safety. Although the plant isn't producing electricity, its reactors still require power to cool nuclear fuel and prevent meltdowns.

In addition to Zaporizhzhia, the decommissioned Chornobyl plant remains reliant on alternate power sources. Meanwhile, Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom is prepping the Zaporizhzhia facility for a restart, despite current power constraints.

(With inputs from agencies.)