Repeated Power Outages at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Raise Concerns over Equipment Aging and Safety Risks

August 13 news, the issue of repeated interruptions to the external power supply at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant continues to draw attention. Relevant data shows that since February 2022, the plant has experienced 26 power outages, 14 of which occurred in the first 8 months of 2026.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Once the external power supply is interrupted, the plant must switch to backup power to maintain the operation of essential safety systems. Frequent switching of power supply modes not only increases operational pressure but also poses additional risks to nuclear safety and radiation safety.

Relevant parties have stated that signs of equipment aging at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are intensifying, with the condition of diesel generator sets being particularly concerning. Backup diesel generator sets are typically used for emergency power supply; frequent, short-duration starts and operations place significant loads on the equipment, potentially accelerating wear and affecting their reliability in critical situations.

The National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine (NNEGC Energoatom) believes that the repeated reliance on backup power and the increased stress on equipment are related to the current operational management status of the plant. The Ukrainian side also stated that the return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the control of Ukraine and its legally designated operator is an important condition for restoring the safe and stable operation of the plant.