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Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on single power line, Russia says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 16, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on single power line, Russia says
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MOSCOW, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently receiving electricity through only one of two external power lines, its Russian management

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Relies on Single Power Line

MOSCOW, ‌Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power ‍plant ‌in Ukraine is currently receiving electricity through ⁠only one of ‌two external power lines, its Russian management said on Tuesday.

The other line was disconnected due to ⁠military activity, the management said, adding that radiation levels ​remain normal. Repair work will begin ‌as soon as ⁠possible.

The nuclear plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russian control since March 2022, when ​Russian forces overran much of southeastern Ukraine. It is not currently producing electricity but relies on external power to keep ​the ‍nuclear material cool ​and avoid a meltdown.

Each side has regularly accused the other of shelling the facility. It experienced a couple of complete power outages earlier this month but was subsequently reconnected.

In ⁠September and October the plant was without external power for 30 ​days, relying on backup diesel generators, until a damaged line was reconnected during a local ceasefire arranged with ‌the help of the U.N. nuclear agency.

(Reporting by ReutersWriting by Maxim RodionovEditing by Mark Trevelyan)

Key Takeaways

  • Zaporizhzhia plant is under Russian control since March 2022.
  • Currently operating on one external power line.
  • Radiation levels remain normal despite power issues.
  • Past outages required backup diesel generators.
  • UN nuclear agency involved in ceasefire arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nuclear power plant?
A nuclear power plant is a facility that uses nuclear reactions to generate electricity. It relies on the heat produced from nuclear fission to convert water into steam, which drives turbines to produce power.
What is external power in a nuclear plant?
External power refers to the electricity supplied from outside sources to a nuclear power plant, which is essential for cooling systems and other safety mechanisms to prevent overheating and potential meltdowns.

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