The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced that Ukraine’s last three operational nuclear power plants have “largely restored” electricity production after last month’s reduced generation due to Russian airstrikes.
Of the nine reactors found in the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukrainian nuclear power plants, eight are now functioning, while the last one is still operational. Most of the reactors are having their output increased incrementally, and a few units remained below full capacity for several days after the military strikes that occurred on November 28, which also hit electrical infrastructures critical for the nuclear safety of facilities, said Grossi. Outside power lines still remain disconnected.
Also Read: Ishaq Dar defends police raid During PTI Protest in Diplomats Meeting
Emphasizing the importance of the stable electricity grid for nuclear safety, Grossi said electricity supply becomes more crucial in the winter months. IAEA teams at the three nuclear power plants and at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant continued to maintain the levels of nuclear safety and security at these facilities.
On the situation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Grossi said it continues to be tense and that both power lines are still frequently losing electrical feed. The team of the IAEA at the Zaporizhzhia plant still does not have access to external spare parts and fuel storage facilities as damaged diesel fuel storage was repaired. There are continuous threats of a nuclear event due to regular mutual accusations of shelling from both sides, Moscow and Kyiv, encompassing the facility.
Russian officials have not yet responded to the comments made by the chief of the IAEA.