The Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP), whose switchgear supplies electricity to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), came under heavy attack this morning. The IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP observed light smoke rising from the direction of the ZTPP and heard sounds of military activity. The only remaining external power line to the nuclear plant remains connected for now, but the situation is of serious concern.

This is reported by Dengi.ua, citing a statement by the IAEA here.

What Happened at the Zaporizhzhya TPP on the Morning of June 4

The IAEA has received information from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant regarding a powerful attack on the neighboring Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant. The ZTPP is critical to the nuclear facility, as its switchgear helps supply electricity to the ZNPP. The IAEA team on-site recorded the aftermath of the strike, observing light smoke coming from the Zaporizhzhya TPP and hearing sounds of military activity. According to available information, ZNPP personnel took shelter during the attack.

Why ZNPP is Critically Dependent on a Single Power Line

The incident raises serious concerns about the only remaining power line feeding the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Key concerns include:

  • This last power line has already been shut down several times in recent weeks;

  • Each time, the plant was forced to rely entirely on emergency diesel generators;

  • Electricity is critically needed to cool the ZNPP's six reactors;

  • Without it, there is an immediate threat of a nuclear accident.

In other words, any disruption to the power supply at the ZNPP is a direct path to disaster. Right now, the power line remains connected, but the attack on the ZTPP poses a direct threat to this vital infrastructure.

How the IAEA Reacted to the Attack Near ZNPP

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over reports of the attack. Grossi emphasized that the shelling must stop immediately to avoid the risk of a prolonged loss of power at the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Even amid the current difficult situation on the front line, the IAEA emphasizes the criticality of the issue—any escalation in the area of the ZNPP could provoke a nuclear disaster at Europe's largest nuclear power plant.