IAEA Director General Raphael Grossi
Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Sunday damaged key substations that provide external power to nuclear power plants (NPPs). As a result, Ukrainian NPPs were forced to reduce electricity production as a precautionary measure. This was announced by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Reduced capacity and security risks
Grossi said in a statement that although Khmelnytsky, Rivne and South Ukrainian NPPs were not directly hit, the attacks damaged several electrical substations critical to their operation.
“The main power lines from four substations have been disconnected. Currently, only two of the nine operating reactors in the country are generating electricity at 100 per cent capacity,” Grossi said.
IAEA teams working at Ukrainian NPPs were forced to take cover from air strikes during the attacks. In particular, they heard a loud explosion at Khmelnytsky NPP, and two 330-kilovolt power lines were disconnected at Rivne NPP.
Raphaël Grossi emphasised the critical need for a stable electricity supply for nuclear power plants. Electricity is needed both to transmit the generated energy and to cool the reactors.
“We are still assessing the full extent of the damage. At this critical time, I emphasise the importance of adhering to the seven key principles of nuclear safety, including ensuring a reliable power supply,” Grossi said.
In September and October, IAEA experts had already assessed the consequences of the shelling at seven substations located outside the NPP site. Following the new attacks, the agency is considering repeat visits to analyse the damage and take further action.
Starting on Saturday evening, Russian forces launched a large-scale air strike using various types of missiles and Shahed attack drones. The attacks targeted energy sector facilities across Ukraine, increasing threats to the stable operation of the country’s energy system in times of war.
This situation once again highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the challenges facing Ukraine in the context of ongoing military aggression.
