NextFin news, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Thursday, October 9, 2025, that it has begun the process of restoring external power to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine. The plant has been under Russian control since shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, stated that the restoration effort started following "intensive consultations" with both Ukrainian and Russian authorities. The external power lines to the plant were cut on September 23, forcing the facility to rely on emergency diesel generators to maintain critical cooling functions for its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel.
The restoration process focuses on repairing damaged sections of two power lines located on opposite sides of the front line near the plant. Grossi emphasized that while it will take some time before the grid connection is fully restored, both sides have engaged constructively to achieve this vital objective for nuclear safety and security.
The Zaporizhzhya plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, has not been producing electricity since the power cut but requires electricity to ensure safety systems remain operational. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has expressed intentions to restart the plant, but Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on October 9 that there are currently no grounds to restart it without an external power source.
IAEA monitors at the site reported hearing five explosions near the plant on the same day, which shook windows in their building, underscoring ongoing security concerns. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of military actions that compromise nuclear safety in the area.
Separately, the decommissioned Chornobyl nuclear power station in northern Ukraine remains without an external power line following a drone attack on a nearby town, according to Grossi. Ukraine has stated that the plant is being supplied by alternative power sources.
The IAEA's efforts to restore power to Zaporizhzhya come amid heightened international concern over the risks of a nuclear accident due to ongoing conflict near the plant.
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