Occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on backup generators as everyday power source
Ukraine says the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has had no off-site power since August 20 and has cut the number of running emergency generators to two to conserve remaining fuel.
Ukrainian officials report that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been without an external power connection for more than two weeks. According to the information available, the plant has had no off-site power since 20 August.
In the absence of grid power, the plant's operations are being sustained by backup diesel generators — equipment normally intended only as a last-resort emergency measure. To conserve the remaining fuel supply and extend how long it can last, plant operators have reduced the number of generators running at any given time to just two.
The situation raises concerns about nuclear safety, since prolonged reliance on emergency generators instead of a stable external power connection increases the risk should further technical problems arise or fuel run short. An external power supply normally ensures the continuous operation of a plant's cooling and safety systems, and its extended absence is considered a serious risk factor for a nuclear facility.
