Russian shelling damages Zaporizhzhya NPP power line, threatening potential blackout
Russian shelling has damaged the power supply line to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Russian-occupied Enerhodar, Ukraine’s national energy company Ukrenergo reported on Telegram on Feb. 21.
The Zaporizhzhya NPP is once again on the brink of a blackout.
The Zaporizhzhya NPP is connected to the power system solely through one transmission line as of 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 21, said Ukrenergo.
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"The total capacity of Ukrenergo's high-voltage networks is sufficient to cover the existing demand," the company said.
Russian shelling resulted in the disconnection of one of the two existing 330 kV transmission lines, Ferosplavna-1, reported state nuclear operator Energoatom on Telegram on Feb. 21. The only operating external overhead line is the 750 kV Dniprovska line, connecting the Zaporizhzhya NPP to Ukraine’s unified energy system and providing power for the station's own needs.
"In the event of a failure in this line, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe will experience another complete blackout,” Energoatom said.
“This is a serious violation of the conditions for the safe operation of the plant and poses a threat of potential accidents."
Zaporizhzhya NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and has been occupied by Russian forces since Mar. 4, 2022. Several Zaporizhzhya NPP facilities have been damaged by Russian shelling, and the station's employees are captives of the occupying troops.
The Kremlin uses the site as cover for its forces, as Ukraine can’t return fire for the risk of causing a nuclear calamity.
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Currently, the plant operates solely for its own needs and does not supply electricity to the Ukrainian grid.
During the summer, Ukrainian authorities also expressed concerns about Russia’s intentions to carry out a terrorist act at Zaporizhzhya NPP.
Russia was contemplating a terrorist act at the seized NPP, with preparations allegedly completed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in June.
Explosive devices were strategically placed near four out of six power units, and the cooling system was rigged with charges, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.
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