In the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which was occupied by Russian troops, a reactor that had been shut down following being shelled has been connected to the grid once more. The Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator Enerhoatom announced on Telegram today that block five is being brought back to full capacity. An emergency shutdown had been initiated the day before because of mortar fire.
There is still a five-strong group of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the nuclear power plant to assess the security situation. Russian troops had captured the nuclear power plant in early March, shortly following the Russian invasion began.
Moscow sees IAEA inspection “very positively”
The Kremlin, meanwhile, described the nuclear power plant inspection by the IAEA as “very positive”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov today praised that “despite the difficulties and problems, the delegation arrived and started its work”.
It is still “too early” for an assessment, but the most important thing is that the mission takes place, Peskow said. Zaporizhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Located in southern Ukraine, it has been occupied by Russian forces since March.
With its six reactors and a net output of 5,700 megawatts, it is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Increasing shelling in the past few days had increased international concerns regarding a nuclear catastrophe.