Crucial power line repairs begin at Zaporizhzhia plant under IAEA truce

Critical repair work has commenced at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine under a temporary local ceasefire arranged by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The UN nuclear watchdog announced on Sunday that the repairs to a crucial external power line, expected to last a few days, are part of ongoing efforts to avert a potential nuclear disaster amid the continuing military conflict.

A Temporary 'Window of Silence'

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the agency's team on the ground is monitoring the repairs, which aim to restore power transmission between switchyards at the ZNPP and the nearby Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant. Grossi expressed gratitude to both Russian and Ukrainian authorities for agreeing to what he termed a new temporary "window of silence," describing it as essential for strengthening nuclear safety and security at the facility, which has been under Russian military control since March 2022.

Damage Attributed to Military Activity

The need for the urgent repairs stems from damage detected earlier this month to a transmission line connecting the two power plants. The IAEA reported on December 19 that the damage, located between an autotransformer and the thermal plant's switchyard, was "reportedly due to military activity." Initially, the plant's management—operating under Russian occupation—stated that access to the affected area could not be granted for security reasons, delaying the repair assessment. The newly brokered ceasefire has now allowed technicians to access and fix the critical infrastructure.

Persistent Risks at Europe's Largest Nuclear Plant

The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest nuclear power station, has been a persistent point of international concern since the war began. Both Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused each other of shelling and endangering the facility, raising fears of a catastrophic nuclear incident. IAEA experts have been stationed at the site since September 2022 to monitor safety and provide technical assistance. The current repair operation underscores the fragile state of the plant's external power supplies, which are vital for cooling and other essential safety functions, especially during wartime.