Ferosplavna-1 line reconnected to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

VIENNA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 330 kilovolt Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) after repair work on Saturday, providing back-up power for the first time in six months, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Under an IAEA-brokered local ceasefire, technicians started repairing the damaged section of the power line earlier in the day, with IAEA experts monitoring on the ground, said the UN nuclear watchdog on social media platform X, noting that restoration is vital for nuclear safety.

The Ferosplavna-1 was ZNPP's second external power line to be restored, following the successful repair last month of the 750 kilovolt Dniprovska line.

The ZNPP lost its connection to the grid on Sept. 23 for the 10th time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, after its last remaining 750 kilovolt power line was cut. Since then, the plant has been powered by backup diesel generators. Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed the damage on military activity.

In a separate post on X, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi once again called for restraint to maintain nuclear safety and avoid an accident with serious consequences. ■