Repair Crews Embark on Critical Mission to Restore Power at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Repair Plan Underway to Restore Power at Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Work has begun to repair the damaged power supply to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a crucial step in ending a four-week outage that saw it dependent on backup generators. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Saturday that repairs are underway after Russian and Ukrainian forces established special ceasefire zones for the work. Timeline of Events The last remaining external power line to the Zaporizhzhia plant was severed on September 23 in attacks blamed by both Russia and Ukraine on each other. The plant, Europe's largest nuclear power station, has been operating on diesel back-up generators since then. IAEA head Rafael Grossi said that both sides engaged constructively with the agency to enable the complex repair plan. Immediate Response The repair plan aims to restore reliable power to cool six shutdown reactors and spent fuel at the plant, preventing any catastrophic nuclear incidents. The IAEA has been closely monitoring the situation and providing technical support for the repairs. Grossi praised the cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian forces in allowing the work to proceed safely. Background Context The Zaporizhzhia plant is located in an area under Russian control since early in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The plant's shutdown has raised concerns about nuclear safety and the potential for radioactive contamination. The IAEA has been working with both sides to ensure the safe operation of the plant. What Happens Next The repair plan is expected to take several days to complete, with the IAEA continuing to monitor progress closely. Once power is restored, the plant will be able to operate safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of nuclear incidents. The successful completion of this repair plan will be a crucial step in maintaining regional stability and ensuring the safe operation of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Hardware reporting.*