Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant regains access to back-up power for first time in six months

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has regained access to backup power from the grid for the first time in six months, following the completion of repairs to its second power transmission line.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) press service

Details: The reconnection of the 330-kV Ferrosplavna-1 power line to the plant is described as a key step in preventing a nuclear disaster.

Director General Rafael Grossi said: "As the damaged sections of the power lines were located in an active combat zone, this required complex negotiations with both sides to establish carefully coordinated temporary truce arrangements so that their technicians could work without risking their own lives. It took several weeks to get to this point, with the plant once again having access to two power lines."

Repairs to the damaged section of the Ferrosplavna-1 line began on the morning of Saturday 8 November, approximately 3 km from the perimeter of the plant, after the area had been cleared of mines.

Technicians repaired the damaged cable between two pylons, while an IAEA team monitored the work. The line, which had been out of service since 7 May 2025, was finally reconnected to the plant that evening.

For the first time since May 2025, the ZNPP once again has a backup source of external power supply.

Background: On 7 November, an IAEA-brokered ceasefire came into effect near the ZNPP to enable repair work to be carried out to strengthen the plant's connection to the power grid and prevent a nuclear disaster.

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