Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the general manager of Rosenergoatom Concern, explained that tying the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to a 330 kV backup power transmission line markedly raised the facility’s safety level. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that, four months after the upgrade, ZNPP was connected to one of six emergency 330 kV lines. The line remains functional and will serve as a critical backup option.
Karchaa emphasized that the addition of this line establishes a redundant power supply system for the nuclear units, ensuring an alternate feed to the 750 kV main line in case of a power disruption. This redundancy significantly enhances overall nuclear safety at the site.
He also noted that ZNPP’s cells are linked to six 330 kV lines at the Zaporozhye thermal power plant. Last year, however, Ukrainian forces damaged exposed switchgear, including components that connected ZNPP to the grid controlled by Russia, adding risk to the plant’s power resilience.
Until recently, the station relied on the 750 kV line as its sole power source. This arrangement carried substantial risk because a disruption to that line forced a switch to diesel generators, which are intended only as temporary backups.
ZNPP is situated in Energodar and comprises six power units with a total capacity of roughly 6 gigawatts, making it the largest nuclear power facility in Europe. The site has been under the control of Russian forces since early 2022.
The broader context includes ongoing international assessments and statements about Ukraine’s energy plans and grid security, underscoring the importance of robust backup capabilities for critical infrastructure like nuclear plants. The IAEA has repeatedly highlighted the role of diversified transmission paths and safe, reliable emergency power supplies in maintaining operational safety at such facilities.