Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant faces blackout threat

Photo: ZNPP faces another blackout (Getty Images)

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Zaporizhzhia NPP) is facing a blackout threat once again. Today, on May 23, an external overhead line has been disconnected, according to the Energoatom Telegram channel.

"Today, on May 23, 2024, at 01:31 p.m., the external overhead line PL-750 kV Dniprovska, connecting the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP with the Unified Energy System of Ukraine, was disconnected. Currently, Europe's largest NPP is connected to the Ukrainian power system only by the power transmission line PL-330 kV Zaporizhzhia TPP - Ferosplavna," writes Energoatom.

However, if there is a failure of the power transmission line Zaporizhzhia TPP - Ferjsplavna, it threatens an accident at the plant.

Energoatom reminds that since the beginning of the occupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP, it has already experienced eight full blackouts and one partial. During the last one, diesel generators and the safety system were activated.

Disconnect due to protection

"The 750 kV high-voltage overhead line, which serves as the main power line for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, disconnected today during the day due to the operation of protection. The reason for the protection's activation is being investigated," UkrEnergo added.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Russian forces seized Europe's largest nuclear power plant at the outset of their full-scale invasion. Moreover, the enemy positioned military equipment on it. As mentioned earlier, the plant has experienced blackouts on multiple occasions.

Recently, the Russians claimed a so-called drone attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Similar incidents have occurred before in an attempt to blame Ukraine for them.