Power line from Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is damaged as a result of shelling, the capacity of two units was reduced

THURSDAY, 17 MARCH, 2022, 10:33

As a result of Russian invaders shelling on 16 March, the high-voltage transmission line of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was damaged. The capacity of two operating ZNPP power units was then reduced.

Source: Energoatom (National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine) in Telegram.

Quote: "On 16 March, 2022 as a result of enemy shelling, the high-voltage transmission line of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant - Kakhovka 750 kV was damaged, through which electricity is supplied from ZNPP.
Thus, of the four high-voltage lines, only one remains operational. As a result, the capacity of the two operating ZNPP units had to be reduced.

It is currently impossible to repair the line, as active fighting continues in the area of ​​damage.
Zaporizhzhia NPP and the city of Energodar have been captured by the occupiers and have been under the control of Russian troops for 13 days. The occupiers continue to detonate shells and mines that did not explode during the shelling on the territory of the station. They do so mostly directly where they locate those shells and mines, that is, anywhere on the site of the station."

The company stated that all 6 power units of Zaporizhzhya NPP are serviced by Ukrainian personnel and that the shift personnel have the opportunity to rotate.

Though formally the occupiers did not interfere in the work of the nuclear power plant, "however, staff are forced to agree all technical decisions with the commander of the invaders."

"Employees of the station are under strong psychological pressure from the occupiers. All personnel are carefully checked on arrival at the station by armed terrorists. As a result, nuclear and radiation safety is under threat," Energoatom said.

Due to the de facto blockade of Energodar, problems with fuel, food and essential medicines shortages continue.

Energoatom also reports that as of 10:00 on 17 March, all four operating Ukrainian nuclear power plants continue with the stable generation of electricity. Their total current capacity is providing sufficient electricity for the country’s needs.

"Radiation levels, fire safety and environmental conditions at the industrial sites of nuclear power plants and adjacent territories have not changed and are within current standards.

The main equipment of the reactor compartments of power units, premises and buildings of power plants, the perimeters of protected areas and adjacent territories, as well as particularly important NPP facilities outside their protected areas are under strict supervision and control," the statement said.