Three Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants Reduced Electricity Generation – IAEA.

On November 28, a Russian attack on the energy infrastructure led to a decrease in electricity production at three nuclear power plants in Ukraine. This was reported by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

The attack targeted the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine NPPs. According to Grossi, this is already the second Time in a month that power levels at these plants have decreased as a precaution during shelling.

For example, the Rivne NPP shut down one reactor, and the Khmelnytskyi NPP lost connection with two power lines.

«Ukraine's energy infrastructure is extremely fragile and vulnerable, which poses a significant risk to nuclear safety. I once again urge maximum military restraint in areas with major nuclear energy facilities and other critical infrastructure they depend on,» Grossi noted.

Ukraine informed the IAEA that electrical substations were damaged by strikes, which had already been partially destroyed during previous attacks in August 2024.

IAEA experts who visited seven substations in September and October found significant damage. They expressed concern that the ability to provide stable external power supply for Ukrainian NPPs had significantly decreased.

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia allows IAEA experts to work at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP but may restrict their access. Experts have already called on Russia to leave the station and de-occupy it.

It was also reported that Russian shelling damaged one of the two power supply lines of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. This creates a risk of losing external power for cooling the reactors in case the second line is damaged.

Moreover, IAEA representatives discussed with the occupiers controlling the Zaporizhzhia NPP a new emergency plan that is to take effect by the end of September.

Conclusion

Due to the morning attack by Russia on the energy infrastructure, three nuclear power plants in Ukraine reduced their electricity generation. This was the second case in a month where power levels at these stations decreased due to shelling. IAEA experts recorded significant damages to electrical substations, which reduced their capacity to provide stable power supply for the NPPs. Russia allows IAEA experts to work at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, but there is a threat of access restrictions. The IAEA advises against restarting reactors at the Zaporizhzhia NPP while the conflict continues.