Zaporizhzhia loses main connection to power grid

Europe's largest power plant in Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia, has lost its main connection to the power grid, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. The plant is now relying on a reserve line for electricity supply. Despite constant shelling in the area of the power plant, international inspectors from the UN arrived on Thursday to check the condition of the facility and make sure that no radiation escaped and no reactors were damaged. Zaporizhzhia is currently being held by Russian army forces, but being operated by Ukrainian workforces as the war in Ukraine continues to rage on. Both sides blame each other for the artillery fire around the area of Zaporizhzhia. Already four power lines of the facility were lost, leaving only reserve link to power the external grid. If needed the reserve link could also power the whole plant. The connection to the main grid was previously lost nine days ago. The fifth reactor already disconnected on Tuesday and Saturday due to grid electric failures and grid restrictions. From the six reactors in the power plant, two have been functioning, one reactor is still producing electricity for households, factories and for cooling and other important safety functions. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who came to the plant on Tuesday, commented on the UN teams in the facility: "Our team on the ground received direct, fast and reliable information about the latest significant development affecting the plant's external power situation, as well as the operational status of the reactors." "We already have a better understanding of the functionality of the reserve power line in connecting the facility to the grid. This is crucial information in assessing the overall situation there."

The next report on Zaporizhzhia will probably come next week. Six members of the team are currently there, continuing their work.

The power plant has to be kept safe. If any hard damage is done to the reactors inside Zaporizhzhia by artillery shelling there could be a second Chernobyl.