Three Ukrainian NPPs lost connection to high-voltage lines

Three Ukrainian NPPs lose high-voltage lines after massive shelling

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that three Ukrainian nuclear power plants - Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and one more not specified in the report - lost connection to high-voltage lines after the massive Russian shelling on 18 November.

The explosions and damage to the energy infrastructure caused instability of external power supply, which is critical for the safe operation of reactors.

Reducing reactor capacity

The IAEA notes that as a result of the loss of part of the power lines 4 out of 9 reactors at two NPPs - Khmelnytskyi and Rivne were forced to operate at reduced capacity.

Such measures are applied to:

• stabilising the operation of cooling systems,

• minimising the risk of emergencies,

• adaptation to reduced power supply.

The situation remains tense

The IAEA emphasised that Russia's strikes on energy infrastructure create «unacceptable risks» for the nuclear safety of Ukraine.
The Agency is in regular contact with Ukraine's Energoatom and is ready to provide support.

Russian attacks on key substations and power lines result in nuclear power plants losing part of their backup power supply, which increases the risk of further attacks.