Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Repair Efforts Underway to End Four-Week Power Outage

Repair Plan Underway to Restore Power at Ukrainian Nuclear Plant The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that work has begun to repair the damaged power supply to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest. The repairs aim to end a four-week outage that saw the plant dependent on backup generators. Timeline of Events: - September 23: Last remaining external power line severed in attacks. - October 15: Repair plan initiated with cooperation from Russian and Ukrainian forces. Immediate Impact and Response: The IAEA's head, Rafael Grossi, praised both sides for engaging constructively to enable the repair plan. The plant has been operating on diesel generators since September 23, posing a risk of catastrophic nuclear incidents without reliable power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel. Background Context: The Zaporizhzhia plant is in an area under Russian control since early in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The plant's shutdown has raised concerns about the potential for radioactive leaks and environmental damage. What Happens Next: The repair plan is expected to take several weeks, with the IAEA monitoring progress closely. Once complete, the plant will be able to rely on its own power supply, reducing the risk of nuclear incidents. The successful restoration of power at Zaporizhzhia highlights the importance of international cooperation in maintaining global nuclear safety standards. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Hardware reporting.*